Active surface discontinuities, their role in aquifer recharge and groundwater quality.

Abstract

This paper focuses on discussing the role that surface discontinuities are playing in groundwater recharge and contamination. The valley of Aguascalientes, which presents discontinuities associated with subsidence, and which present an increase in permeability in the soil they affect, is analyzed. Using methods that include field permeameter, geophysical, and geospatial analysis, case studies are discussed. The results have allowed evaluating hydraulic parameters in the discontinuity zone, observing the preferential subsurface flow channels in the presence of discontinuities and evaluating potential contamination scenarios, although more variables and processes are still being evaluated. The increase in permeability of the soil affected by surface discontinuities has caused a risk of groundwater contamination, which continues to increase as the number of discontinuities and their activity increases.