Abstract
Evaluating aquifer–river interactions is naturally complex, particularly within urban settings. This is largely due to the difficulties involved in quantifying most elements of the water balance. The ability of numerical models to deal with several dynamic variables simultaneously makes them valuable tools to address this kind of problem. An applied, modeling-based approach to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of aquifer–river connectivity within a shallow urban aquifer is presented. Model development is based on comprehensive field campaigns in Langreo, Spain. Two calibration runs (for summer and winter conditions) were carried out in order to evaluate the spatial distribution of recharge rates. The model suggests that baseflows are largely negligible in comparison with total streamflows. This is mostly attributed to the abrupt nature of the catchment, which prevents the existence of sufficiently large alluvial systems to a great extent. Modelling results also show that aquifer–river connectivity at the study site is constrained by urban pumping as well as by seasonal fluctuations.
Resumé
Evaluer des interactions aquifère–rivière est naturellement complexe, particulièrement en environnement urbain. Ceci est dû, dans une large mesure, aux difficultés liées à la quantification de la plupart des composantes du bilan hydrique. La capacité des modèles numériques de traiter simultanément plusieurs variables dynamiques en fait des outils de valeur adaptés à ce type de problème. Une approche modèlisée représente les variations spatio-temporelles de l’interaction entre la rivière et un aquifère urbain peu profond. Le modèle a été développé à partir de campagnes approfondies sur le terrain à Langros, Espagne. Deux campagnes d’étalonnage (conditions d’été et d’hiver) ont été exécutées afin d’établir la distribution spatiale des modules spécifiques d’alimentation. Le modèle suggère que, comparés à l’écoulement total, les débits de base sont tout à fait négligeables. Ceci est attribué principalement au relief abrupt du bassin versant, qui empêche en grande partie l’existence d’un système alluvial suffisamment important. La modélisation montre aussi que l’interaction aquifère–rivière est influencée sur site par un pompage urbain ainsi que par des fluctuations saisonnières.
Resumen
Evaluar las interacciones acuífero–río es naturalmente complejo, particularmente dentro de un asentamiento urbano. Esto es mayormente debido a las dificultades involucradas en cuantificar la mayoría de los elementos del balance de agua. La habilidad de los modelos numéricos para tratar varias variables dinámicas simultáneamente los hace herramientas valiosas para atacar esta clase de problema. Se presenta un enfoque aplicado basado en modelos, para investigar las variaciones espaciales y temporales de la conectividad acuífero–río dentro de un acuífero urbano somero. El desarrollo del modelo está basado en trabajos de campo integrales en Langreo, España. Se llevaron a cabo dos corridas de calibración (para condiciones de verano e invierno) para evaluar la distribución espacial del ritmo de recarga. El modelo sugiere que los flujos de base son ampliamente despreciables en comparación con el flujo total de la corriente. Esto es principalmente atribuido a la naturaleza abrupta de la cuenca, que impide la existencia de sistemas aluviales suficientemente grandes en una gran extensión. Los resultados del modelado también muestran que la conectividad acuífero–río en el sitio de estudio está limitada tanto por el bombeo urbano como por las fluctuaciones estacionales.
摘要
含水层–河流相互作用评估具有天然复杂性, 尤其对城市地区而言。这主要是由于大部分水均衡项难于确定所致。数值模型由于能同时处理若干动态变量, 使其成为解决该类问题的有力工具。基于模拟方法, 研究了西班牙Langreo城区浅部含水层与河流连通性的时空变化。建模系基于野外综合调查。进行了两次校正 (冬、夏情景), 以评估补给速率的空间分布。模型表明, 相对于总径流而言, 基流大多可忽略。这主要是由于该流域的突变性, 很大程度上妨碍了足够大的冲积系统的形成。模拟结果还表明, 研究区含水层–河流的连通性受城区抽水和季节性波动限制。
Resumo
A avaliação das interacções aquífero–rio é naturalmente complexa, particularmente dentro de áreas urbanas. Isto é largamente devido a dificuldades que envolvem a quantificação da maioria dos elementos do balanço hídrico. A capacidade dos modelos numéricos para lidar simultaneamente com diversas variáveis dinâmicas torna-os instrumentos valiosos para enfrentar este tipo de problemas. É apresentada uma aproximação, baseada em modelação aplicada, e destinada à investigação das variáveis espaciais e temporais da conectividade aquífero–rio dentro de um aquífero freático urbano. O desenvolvimento do modelo é baseado em campanhas de campo intensivas em Langreo, Espanha. Foram efectuadas duas simulações de calibração, em condições de Verão e Inverno, para avaliação da distribuição espacial das taxas de recarga. O modelo sugere que o fluxo de base é fortemente negligenciável em comparação com os fluxos dos cursos de água. Esta situação é atribuída à natureza abrupta da bacia de drenagem, que não permite a existência de sistemas aluviais de grande extensão. Os resultados da modelação mostram também que a conectividade aquífero–rio no local do estudo é constrangida tanto pela exploração urbana de águas subterrâneas, como pelas flutuações sazonais das mesmas.
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Acknowledgements
Data for this report were gathered under the preliminary hydrologeological study for Langreo’s railway tunnel, currently under construction. The authors would like to thank the staff at the Langreo City Council and Aguas de Langreo for their help and support. Our gratitude also goes to the anonymous reviewers for their time and insightful comments.
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Martínez-Santos, P., Martínez-Alfaro, P.E., Sanz, E. et al. Daily scale modelling of aquifer–river connectivity in the urban alluvial aquifer in Langreo, Spain. Hydrogeol J 18, 1525–1537 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-010-0613-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-010-0613-1