Abstract
Abstract Saturated thickness is a vital parameter in the assessment of hydrogeological reserves. By considering thickness variations associated with faults, the present study aimed to evaluate the water reserves of an unconfined aquifer. The study area was the Barreiras Aquifer in the lower course of the Maxaranguape River in Brazil. The methodology involved morphotectonic and lithostratigraphic analysis, well profile correlation, and hydrogeological and geoelectrical analysis (vertical electrical sounding, VES). The morphotectonic analysis employed topographical (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and hydrographical data to support the structural characterization, considering the lack of outcrops with specific features in the area. The results of these assessments enabled the creation of a morphotectonic lineament map, highlighting the prevailing NE and NW directions. The hydrogeophysical cross sections obtained from geoelectrical inverse models and well data reveal saturated thickness values ranging from 19 to 66 m, featuring some lineaments as faults. The hydrogeological reserve was calculated based on 18 subareas associated with blocks resulting from structural compartmentalization. Based on an area of approximately 250 km2, the average saturated thickness for each subarea, and an average effective porosity of 7.6%, the saturated reserve is estimated to be 8.7 × 108 m3.
Highlights
AND OBJECTIVESThe Barreiras Aquifer, present mostly on the east coast of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, is the largest groundwater source on the state’s eastern coast and the main water source for municipalities in the region (Lucena 2018)
This study aimed to evaluate the hydrogeological reserves of the Barreiras Aquifer, considering the variable saturated thickness from local structural compartmentalization in the lower course of the Maxaranguape River area
The integration of data from the geomorphological analysis, geoelectrical surveys, and well profiles improved the characterization of the structural aspect of the study area
Summary
AND OBJECTIVESThe Barreiras Aquifer, present mostly on the east coast of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, is the largest groundwater source on the state’s eastern coast and the main water source for municipalities in the region (Lucena 2018). The study area, covered by the Maxaranguape River’s lower course, is included in the Barreiras Aquifer hydrogeological domain and has an approximate area of 250 km (Fig. 1) This region is a strategic water reserve supplying approximately 1,300,000 inhabitants. According to Burazer et al (2010) and Diaz et al (2014), lithostratigraphy and geological structure are important factors that affect aquifer geometry and determine hydrogeological characteristics. Parameters such as porosity, permeability, and the effect of faults (acting either as a barrier slowing water flow or as connectors between aquifers) on hydraulic transmissivity have been examined (Pilli et al 2012). Local structural compartmentalization of an aquifer is commonly associated with uplift or subsidence of the hydrogeological basement by faults that often increase or decrease the saturated thickness, directly affecting the volume of the hydrogeological reserves (Lucena et al 2013)
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