Abstract

RAMIREZ GRANADOS, Pablo; ALVAREZ JIMENEZ, María; CASTRO SOLIS, José  and  SOLIS TORRES, Ligia. Potential water recharge areas in the micro-basins of Cachí district, Cartago, Costa Rica. Cuadernos de Investigación UNED [online]. 2021, vol.13, n.2, e3683. ISSN 1659-4266.  http://dx.doi.org/10.22458/urj.v13i2.3683.

''Potential water recharge areas in the micro-basins of Cachí district, Cartago, Costa Rica.''Introduction: Precipitation is the most important source in water recharge zones and to ensure its availability and management it is important to evaluate changes in land use. Objective: To determine the potential water recharge areas in six Cartago micro-basins. Methods: We determined hydrogeological units through gauges, and physical and hydraulic properties on the field. We used topographic curves to generate a digital elevation model and longitudinal profiles. Additionally, we produced a land-use change map and determined soil water balance. Results: The area presents good hydrogeological conditions in terms of springs, pinpointing the hydraulic connection of the units, and the soil favors water recharge in the upper parts. Above, where the springs are located, half of the land has forest cover, facilitating infiltration. The rest sustains agricultural activities (39% in the middle and lower parts of the basins). Forest areas present lower potential recharge values (approx. <611,4mm) than areas of crops and pasture (792,32-796,29mm). Conclusion: The site presents good hydrogeological conditions and areas of crops and pasture have higher potential recharge values than forests.

Keywords : Water resource; aquifer; land use.

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