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<p>Facing increasing water scarcity and anthropogenic pressure, the lower Choapa River basin in semiarid Chile requires improved understanding of its complex groundwater systems. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in hydrostratigraphy and groundwater distribution through an integrated approach involving geological mapping, hydrogeological data, and borehole-calibrated advanced geophysical methods (transient electromagnetic soundings and electrical resistivity tomography). A comprehensive 3D geometrical reconstruction of the main aquifers was developed, delineating permeable/impermeable layers and quantifying water table/bedrock depths. A distinctive “pocket-like” hydrogeological structure was identified, where alternating river channel widths directly correlate with variations in bedrock depth and resistance to erosion. The analysis reveals that this segmented geometry drives a mechanism of forced hydraulic discharge, where groundwater flow vectors converge at bedrock highs to sustain baseflow. The study quantified groundwater volumes and qualitatively defined the aquifer potential (i.e., its groundwater storage and abstraction/recharge capabilities) across four main sectors within the area of study. While the <i>Huinchiguallego y Huentelauquén</i> sector (the westernmost coastal sector) holds the largest total volume, its high fine-material content results in the lowest relative aquifer potential. Conversely, the more inland <i>Mincha</i> sector exhibits the highest potential despite a smaller overall volume. These findings highlight significant spatial heterogeneity in groundwater resources, underscoring the critical need for spatially differentiated and adaptive groundwater management strategies in this climate-vulnerable region. This work provides crucial insights into water security, establishing a fundamental baseline for future hydrogeological investigations and dynamic modeling.</p>

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Unveiling aquifer architecture and qualitative potential in the lower Choapa River basin, semiarid Chile

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月20日

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  • Giulia de Pasquale,
  • Yerelin Cárcamo,
  • Fabiola Romero,
  • Pablo Álvarez,
  • Sebastián Norambuena,
  • Carlos Villalobos

摘要

Facing increasing water scarcity and anthropogenic pressure, the lower Choapa River basin in semiarid Chile requires improved understanding of its complex groundwater systems. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in hydrostratigraphy and groundwater distribution through an integrated approach involving geological mapping, hydrogeological data, and borehole-calibrated advanced geophysical methods (transient electromagnetic soundings and electrical resistivity tomography). A comprehensive 3D geometrical reconstruction of the main aquifers was developed, delineating permeable/impermeable layers and quantifying water table/bedrock depths. A distinctive “pocket-like” hydrogeological structure was identified, where alternating river channel widths directly correlate with variations in bedrock depth and resistance to erosion. The analysis reveals that this segmented geometry drives a mechanism of forced hydraulic discharge, where groundwater flow vectors converge at bedrock highs to sustain baseflow. The study quantified groundwater volumes and qualitatively defined the aquifer potential (i.e., its groundwater storage and abstraction/recharge capabilities) across four main sectors within the area of study. While the Huinchiguallego y Huentelauquén sector (the westernmost coastal sector) holds the largest total volume, its high fine-material content results in the lowest relative aquifer potential. Conversely, the more inland Mincha sector exhibits the highest potential despite a smaller overall volume. These findings highlight significant spatial heterogeneity in groundwater resources, underscoring the critical need for spatially differentiated and adaptive groundwater management strategies in this climate-vulnerable region. This work provides crucial insights into water security, establishing a fundamental baseline for future hydrogeological investigations and dynamic modeling.