Contributions of hydrogeophysics to the hydrogeological conceptual model of the Albufeira-Ribeira de Quarteira coastal aquifer in Algarve, Portugal

Abstract

Geoelectrical and electromagnetic (time and frequency domains) hydrogeophysical methods were applied and jointly interpreted together with auxiliary information such as regional piezometric maps, borehole lithological logs and offshore data. The objective was to retrieve the structure and geometry of the Albufeira-Ribeira de Quarteira coastal aquifer system (Algarve, Portugal) and to upgrade the current hydrogeological conceptual model. The results allowed for the detection of the freshwater–saltwater interface along the coastline and identification of the water-bearing layers and aquitards and their hydraulic relationships. An explanation for the location of the inter- and subtidal fresh groundwater discharge is also presented and a new modeling unit is proposed for groundwater flow modeling. Limitations of the used hydrogeophysical methods are indicated and recommendations are made for follow-up studies.