Characterization of the infiltration rate in Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Central Spain

Abstract

This article presents the characterization of the infiltration rate in the area known as ‘Las Canas’ which is part of Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Central Spain. Available information was used for direct identification and while the results varied widely, it was proven that a functional dependence exists between the infiltration rate and the inundated area. After examining the structure of this dependence more closely, the most appropriate model was deemed to be a bilinear model. With these basic foundations, data from years 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2005 were used to identify the three parameters of the model. Highly satisfactory identifications were obtained. The model was then calibrated and the drying processes from 1996, 2000 and 2003 were simulated with considerable accuracy since the standard deviation was only 4 ha for a total of 400 inundated ha. The model was used to estimate the evolution that the inundated area would undergo after introducing contributions of treated sewage effluents. Even though it was assumed that the results would entail twice as many errors as the standard deviation, they did, however, allow us to provide a concise description of the behaviour of the system. Consequently, elements of judgement that highlight the advisability of the application of treated sewage effluents in Las Canas, from a hydrological standpoint, were obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.