Abstract

MARTINEZ, Genaro  and  DIAZ, José J. Morfometry in San José del Cabo Hidrologic Basin, South Baja California, México. Rev. Geol. Amér. Central [online]. 2011, n.44, pp.83-100. ISSN 0256-7024.

The San José del Cabo basin is located in the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in México. The basin is one of the largest in the state and is considered the major water source for the state. The aquifers and wells that supply water to the urban and tourist areas are in the lower areas (alluvial plains) of the basin; however the aquifers recharge takes place in the mountain region. A crystalline complex basement made of igneous and metamorphic rocks characterizes the mountain region. Landsat ETM image analysis, aerial photographs, and digital elevation models were used to map the geomorphology, geology and structures in the basin. Structural features such as linear and curvilinear lineaments and andesitic dykes were obtained from digital elevation model analysis. Morphometric parameters and structural features analyses from seven sub-basins were obtained to determine recharge areas to the San Jose del Cabo watershed. A well-fractured system developed in the mountain region exhibits good conditions for primary recharge. The results show that Landsat image and digital elevation model analysis provide a viable source of data and information for mapping and delineating areas of recharge and discharge on a regional scale.

Keywords : San José del Cabo; lineament; recharge; Landsat; basin morphometry.

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