Karst System Research Articles

The Cyrenaica Karst Project: Karst Geomorphology and Caves, Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, NE Libya

This paper introduces the Cyrenaica Karst Project: a collaboration project between the University of Benghazi, Libya and the Hyblean Center of Speleo-hydrogeological of Ragusa, Italy. Among the objectives of the project there are: study the karst geomorphology and caves of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, construction of a speleological model consistent with the geodynamic evolution and climate changes taken place in the Tethyan-Mediterranean region; those with application fall-outs into the local socio-economic framework addressing the finding out and protection of new water resources, the mapping of man altered areas, potentially at risk of instability and/or sinking because of the presence of karst voids, and the institution of Karst Geosites and Geopark. The campaign of geospeleological investigations carried out in the 2007/2008/2009 years and most recently in 2022, 2023 and 2024 years, has concerned the karst area of the coastal belt of Benghazi, Sousa and the plateau of El-Marj, Al-Baydah, Dernah and Tobruk. In Benghazi area, the Lethe karst system with a large underground lake is of a particular interest. In the Sousa coastal area, a significant karst outcrop, was surveyed and documented, including Brak Notta karst system, which is constituted by a collapse doline and two large neighbouring doline-lake hydrologically connected by a recent tectonic structure. In the highly elevated areas of Al Baydah and Al Marj plateau, a very interesting geomorphologic and hydrogeologic studies show some large dolines and dip swallow-holes, inserted in the context of a typical cockpit relief, while in the plateau of Darnah the exploration of a complex labyrinthine cave has allowed the discovery of paleontologic and archaeological finds. Speleological/geological investigations of the above-mentioned karst areas are still being carried out in order to formulate a speleogenetic model linked to the tectonic phases and climatic changes that affected the Cyrenaica ridge during the Plio-Pleistocene to Recent.

Temporal hydrogeochemical evolution of surface water and groundwater in a karst system discharging into a continental-type Ramsar site in the Huasteca Potosina, Mexico.

Ecosystems such as wetlands have karst groundwater as their primary source of preserving their services and functions. Karst systems are complex hydrogeological systems that are difficult to study because of their complicated functioning mechanism, which requires an interdisciplinary effort based on hydrodynamic assessment and characterization of the hydrogeology of the system. The study area is the Ramsar wetland Ciénaga de Tamasopo (Mexico), which is dependent on the discharge of karst groundwater that is affected by water extraction of extensive sugarcane agriculture and is also the main water source for the rural towns. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic tools further suggest that at least two distinct sources contribute to the groundwater composition in the Ciénaga de Tamasopo basin. One corresponds to meteoric water recharging the aquifer through karst structures of the El Abra Fm. and Tamasopo Fm. inferring a local flow with an isotopic composition of δ18O (- 4.75 to - 4.20‰) and δ2H (- 29.12 to - 23.86‰). The second is associated with regional-intermediate flow, indicating that the water has an enrichment of heavy δ18O (- 6.90 to - 6.65‰) and δ2H (- 41.37 to - 40.41‰) isotopes circulating in the Guaxcamá Fm. EC and temperature variations were evaluated, determining that the EC tends to increase in the rainy season because of the mixing of local and intermediate flows and that there is evidence of temperature increase. The chemical analysis identified the dominant processes in this karst system as dissolution-precipitation of calcite, dolomite, and gypsum by water-rock interaction, mixing, and evaporation. This study facilitated the development of a conceptual model for understanding groundwater movement in warm and sub-humid climate karst systems.

Toward an Integrative Overview of Stygobiotic Crustaceans for Aquifer Delimitation in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula (YP) presents heterogeneous environments in a karstic landscape that has been formed from permeable sedimentary rocks dating from the Cretaceous period. Its aquifers now face significant pressure from tourism, agriculture, soil use changes and population growth. Aquifer delimitation typically relies on environmental and socioeconomic criteria, overlooking the subterranean fauna. Stygobiotic crustaceans are highly diverse in the YP’s subterranean karstic systems, expressing adaptations to extreme environments while often also displaying the primitive morphology of evolutionary relics. With distributions restricted to specific environments, they are potential markers of water reserves. A literature review recovered records of 75 species of crustaceans from 132 subterranean systems in the YP, together with geomorphological, hydrological, hydrogeochemical and historical precipitation data. Fourteen UPGMA clusters were informative for mapping species composition, whereby the “Ring of Cenotes”, “Caribbean Cave” and “Cozumel Island” regions were delineated as consolidated aquifers. These aquifers are distinguished by abiotic factors as well: freshwater species dominate the Ring of Cenotes, while marine-affinity species characterize the Caribbean Cave and Cozumel Island aquifers. Stygobiotic crustaceans, being linked to geologically ancient water reserves and having a restricted distribution, offer a complementary tool for aquifer delimitation. Their presence suggests long-term and stable water availability. The use of these unique organisms for integrative aquifer delimitation can provide a way to improve the monitoring networks of regional aquifers.

Application of WaterbalANce software for two karst springs near Kyustendil, West Bulgaria

Water balance calculation is an important stage of the groundwater research. Surface runoff in open karst conditions is usually absent, and the outflow of karst system occurs through springs. The aim of the study is to analyze the water regime and balance of two karst springs near the town of Kyustendil in West Bulgaria. WaterbalANce software is used to calculate the water balance in the study area. It distributes monthly precipitation into soil moisture storage, evapotranspiration and runoff. The groundwater recharge value is assessed for the study period. The groundwater contributing area (i.e., springshed) is estimated for the two springs. The obtained results show usefulness of the software application.

Exploring the utility of GRACE measurements for characterizing karst systems at a continental scale

Exploring the utility of GRACE measurements for characterizing karst systems at a continental scale

Medium term hydrochemical and CO2 responses to anthropogenic and environmental changes in karst headwater streams.

This study investigates the intricate effects of lithology, temperature, discharge, and land use changes on headwater stream chemistry by analysing two decades of hydrochemical data from twenty karst headwater catchments in the Garonne River basin, France. Focused on the Pyrenees and the lowland (LM) and upland (UM) regions of the Massif Central, this study identified significant regional variations and commonalities in water chemistry. The headwater streams were clustered based on their hydrological and hydrochemical profiles, revealing strong similarities between upland sites, i.e. UM and Pyrenees, despite their geographical distance. The findings revealed a predominance of water driven by calcite dissolution, with specific influences from minor lithologies. Seasonal variations in water chemistry were primarily driven by hydrological conditions. Trend analyses highlighted increased pCO2 concentration in both the Pyrenees and UM, linked to higher forest density and agricultural activities, respectively. In contrast, LM exhibited increasing Ca2+ and HCO3- concentrations alongside decreasing trends in pCO2 and discharge, and increased nitrate concentration. While overall water temperatures increase, only a few sites exhibited significant warming trends, consistent with similar studies in the region and worldwide. These findings underscore the complex interplay between land use changes and hydrochemical dynamics in karst headwaters. They reveal that rising pCO2 concentration trends in upland regions are driven by reforestation and agricultural practices, which have significant implications in CO2 emissions, and consequently for regional and global carbon budgets and carbon-related policies. In lowland areas, declining water resources and increasing ion concentrations highlight potential challenges for water management, particularly in sensitive karst catchments. This study provides a baseline for understanding how karst headwaters respond to environmental changes. Expanding this research to other karst systems worldwide, under different climates, would help validate and model these findings, and improve our understanding of the global carbon cycle.

Monitoring of hydrogeochemistry and hydrological isotopes in karst springs of Tezbent Plateau, Tebessa region, north-east of Algeria

The karst springs of Tezbent Plateau were studied to gain insight into the hydrogeological and hydrodynamic behaviour of this karstic system. Four springs and six domestic wells were analysed for hydrogeochemical constituents, δ18O, and δ2H from September 2021 to June 2022. The Tezbent mountain range, located in northeastern Algeria, drains carbonate aquifers through several significant karst springs. The physical and chemical characteristics of water samples were analysed in order to assess the groundwater origins and identify the factors influencing its geochemical composition. Ionic speciation and mineral dissolution/precipitation were calculated. It was found that geology, specifically the presence of carbonate formations, elevation, and the rate of karst development, are the primary factors influencing groundwater composition and seasonal variations. The carbonate chemistry serves as a diagnostic indicator of karst development effects. The interaction between groundwater and surrounding host rocks is believed to be the primary process influencing the observed chemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area. The δ18O and δ2H values of groundwater samples indicate the meteoric origin of the groundwater recharge and suggest a minimal evaporation impact on the isotopic composition.

Compositional and ecological diversity of Cansiglio forest (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy)

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the compositional and ecological diversity of the Natura 2000 Site ‘Cansiglio Forest’ (IT3310006). Study area: The study area is located in the South-Eastern Prealps between the Venetian-Friulian plain and the Cansiglio plateau, a typical karstic system. Methods: A total of 25 vegetation relevés, each of 250 m2, were sampled in the LIFE SPAN (LIFE19 NAT/IT/000104) project plots and were subjected to cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis, Ward) and NMDS ordination. Variables such as Ellenberg Indicator Values, environmental parameters, life forms, chorotypes, and phytosociological units were tested using ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess significant differences between clusters. The indicspecies package was applied to study the association between species patterns and combinations of clusters. Results: We distinguished three clusters. Cluster A, characterized by several species, including Chaerophyllum hirsutum and Phegopteris connectilis, shows higher EIVs for moisture, acidic soil reaction and lower temperature, a more open canopy and mainly Circumboreal and Euro Asian species of Vaccinio-Piceetea. Cluster B1, a mixed forest of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba with Circaea alpina, has intermediate EIVs, a closed canopy, low herbaceous layer cover, and higher cover of SE-European species. Cluster B2, a pure Fagus sylvatica forest with Lathyrus venetus, has lower EIVs for humidity and higher for temperature, and mainly Central European species of Carpino-Fagetea. Conclusion: The anthropogenic spruce forest is developing in the Cansiglio plateau and is favored by thermal inversion. It could be identified with Senecioni cacaliaster-Piceetum, but further study is needed to confirm. The mixed forest of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba and the pure beech forest represent two facies of the Cardamino pentaphylli-Fagetum fagetosum, with the first one dominating on the coldest slopes and the second one on the highest and warmer belt. This community can be included in the Aremonio-Fagion alliance. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (2023). Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for classes, orders and alliances; Willner et al. (2017) for suballiances. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; EIV = Ellenberg indicator value; FVG = Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia; HSD = honestly significant difference; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling.

Combining hydrodynamics, geochemical and multiple isotopic tracers to understand the hydrogeological functioning of karst groundwater system in Jinci, northern China

Karst groundwater is important for global sustainable water supply and ecological development. However, the lack of understanding of karst systems’ hydrogeological functioning increases the challenges of karst water resources management. Here, the natural responses of the main discharge sites (such as Jinci Spring, Pingquan Spring and so on) of Jinci karst water system were controlled by continuous monitoring of the discharge rate. Water samples were collected to constrain the chemical evolution of groundwater in Jinci karst water system through geochemical and isotopic tracers. The application of trend analysis tests (Mann-Kendall) shows the Jinci karst water system is highly dependent on natural recharge and influenced by human activities. Our research first timely revealed that old karst groundwater from the stagnation areas might potentially be one of the main recharge sources of karst aquifers. The recharge proportions and chemical effects of the old karst water were evaluated. The recharge proportions of old karst water increased gradually along the main flow path from the Jinci Spring to the Dongyu artesian well, where the highest estimated mixing ratio was up to 24.8 %. It was observed that the mixing recharge of the old karst water causes a significant elevation of total dissolved solids (TDS), sulfate (SO42-), and sulfur isotope (δ34S-SO4) values in karst water from the southern area of Jinci Spring, which may threaten the quality and safety of drinking water supply. Our research provides a new view on groundwater circulation and poses new challenges for groundwater management in the karst areas.

Assessment of diffusive recharge at regional scale in karst systems, Amazon basin, Ecuador

Karst systems play a crucial role in drinking water supply and biodiversity. Therefore, their comprehensive characterization of their recharge mechanisms is essential for safeguard water resource quality and sustainable management. This study utilizes the open-access thematic cartography of Ecuador to analyze the lithological, geomorphological, and hydrographic boundaries of groundwater karst systems. Then, employing the APLIS method, the diffusive recharge for each system is calculated. As a result, five hydrogeological karst systems and twelve small isolated karst bodies were delineated within the Amazon Region of Ecuador, collectively occupying a total area of 11112 km2. The effective infiltration of precipitation within these systems was found to vary between 11.11% and 77.11%, with a predominant low infiltration range (20%-40%) covering 48% of the karst area. One of the multiple parameters used in water balance calculations is defined by this research, serving as the initial step in creating conceptual models for evaluating karst aquifer systems in Ecuador from a hydrological perspective. The findings not only offer insights into the vulnerability and characteristics of these systems but also establish the foundation for informed decision-making in sustainable groundwater resource management and protection efforts.

A common framework for the development of spring water contamination early warning system in western Mediterranean karst areas: Spanish and French sites

Karst water resources, traditionally used worldwide for drinking purposes, are highly vulnerable to contamination. Scientific-technical efforts must therefore be done to ensure sufficient water quality for human consumption. Early-Warning-Systems emerge as an effective spring scale protection strategy for real-time identification of contamination episodes at drinking water capture points. With this ambition, the proposed stepwise procedure for the implementation of site-specific Early-Warning-Systems (EWS), focuses on three critical features: identification of groundwater contamination proxy parameters, warning dissemination and system validation. It was tested at three karst springs affected by temporary faecal contamination and intended for supplying drinking water to populations in Spain (Ubrique) and France (Montpellier). The applied statistical techniques, coupled to the analysis of individual flood events at karst springs, allowed to identify the optimal combination of groundwater and contamination proxy parameters at each study site according to the main contaminants and recharge mechanisms. The decision tree-like workflow, used to evaluate groundwater quality at hourly time step and set up the EWS, was then constructed considering a specific combination of hydroclimatic, hydrodynamic and physical variables together with national regulations for drinking water. Hence, warning thresholds were adapted to the behaviour of each karst system, and used to trigger the alarm when specific parameters and proxies exceeded the defined limits. The performance of the EWS was assessed by implementing 4 specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) dedicated to appreciate the effectiveness of the workflows in identifying contamination events and verifying estimated warning thresholds. The performed analysis demonstrated an overall successful functioning of the EWS for the three case studies, with mean anticipation times ranging between 12 and 45 h and <3 % of failure rate.

Defining the functioning of developed karst systems through extreme climatic event analysis, application to the Krupaja Spring, Serbia

Defining the functioning of developed karst systems through extreme climatic event analysis, application to the Krupaja Spring, Serbia

Groundwater Model for Karst and Pelitic Aquifer Systems from a Semi-Arid Region Under Climate Change Scenarios: A Case Study in the Vieira River Watershed, Brazil

Water scarcity is a global issue, especially in semi-arid and arid regions where precipitation is irregularly distributed over time and space. Predicting groundwater flow in heterogeneous karst terrains, which are essential water sources, presents a significant challenge. This article integrates geology, hydrology, and water monitoring to develop a pioneering conceptual and numerical model of groundwater flow in the Montes Claros Region (Vieira River Watershed, Brazil). This model was evaluated under various climate change scenarios, considering changes in rainfall, groundwater consumption, and population growth over the current century. The results indicate that a decline in water table levels is inevitable, primarily driven by population growth and high pumping rates rather than rainfall fluctuations. This underscores the urgent need for improved monitoring, model upgrading, and more importantly, targeted water resource management for Montes Claros.

A cave with remarkably high subterranean diversity in Africa and its significance for biodiversity conservation

Aziza cave, which is also known as kef Aziza or Tazouguert cave, represents an important and large karstic system that consists of more than 3.5 km of surveyed galleries, standing as the fifth most extensive cave system in Morocco and one of the ten largest in North Africa. This study unveils Aziza cave as an important spot of subterranean diversity in Africa. Here, we provide the first checklist of subterranean fauna in this cave, with 26 taxa, comprising 22 troglobiotic and 4 stygobiotic species. Of this total, eight species still require further confirmation of their status. The richest taxa include Coleoptera (5 species), Araneae (4 species), Entomobryomorpha (3 species), and Isopoda (2 species). However, it is noteworthy that only around 34.6% of the cave-restricted species found in the cave have been formally described to date. Additionally, the biodiversity of large system areas remains to be discovered as these areas need to be further explored. Furthermore, this paper highlights the broader conservation challenges faced by subterranean habitats in Morocco, particularly considering human-induced impacts on these remarkable ecosystems. We aim to draw attention to the crucial ecological role of subterranean environments and their extraordinary biological diversity. By doing so, we aim to inspire increased research and conservation initiatives, not just in this area but across Africa.

Modelling hazards impacting the flow regime in the Hranice Karst due to the proposed Skalička Dam

Abstract. This study examines the hydrogeological hazard associated with the construction of the proposed Skalička Dam in the vicinity of the Hranice Karst. Prompted by the catastrophic regional floods in 1997 and 2010, the design of the dam aims to mitigate floods along the Bečva River downstream of the reservoir. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential disturbance of the natural groundwater regime in the Hranice Karst and the source of mineral waters for the Teplice spa. This is due in particular to the dam's location in an area with limestone outcrops potentially susceptible to surface-water infiltration. Previous studies have also highlighted the strong correlation between the water level in the Bečva River and the water level in karst formations such as the Hranice Abyss, Zbrašov Aragonite Caves, and other caves in the locality. To address these concerns, a nonlinear reservoir-pipe groundwater flow model was employed to simulate the behaviour of the Hranice Karst aquifer and specifically the effects of the dam reservoir's impoundment. The study concluded that the lateral variant of the dam would have a practically negligible impact on the karst water system, with the rise in water level being only a few centimetres. The through-flow variant was found to have a more significant potential impact on water levels and the outflow of mineral water to the spa, with a piezometric rise of about 1 m and an increase in the karst water discharge to the Bečva River of more than 50 %. Based on these results, recommendations for further investigations concerning the design of the dam and its eventual construction have been formulated to reduce geological uncertainties and to minimize the potential impact of the hydraulic scheme on the hydrogeology of the karstic system.

Hydrogeological modelling of a coastal karst aquifer using an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW approach

The complexity of modelling in karst environments necessitates substantial adjustments to existing hydrogeological models, with particular emphasis on accurately representing surface and deep processes.This study proposes an advanced methodology for modelling regional coastal karst aquifers using an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW approach. The focus is on the regional coastal karst aquifer of Salento (Italy), which is characterised by significant heterogeneity, anisotropy and data scarcity, such as limited discharge measurements and water levels over time.The integrated SWAT - MODFLOW approach allows an accurate description of both surface and subsurface hydrological processes specific to karst environments and demonstrates the adaptability of the models to karst-specific features such as sinkholes, dolines and fault permeability. The study successfully addresses the challenges posed by the distinctive characteristics of karst systems through the integration of SWAT-MODFLOW. Additionally, incorporating of satellite data enhances the precision and dependability of the model by augmenting the traditional datasets.The entire simulation period, which included both the calibration and validation phases, extended from 2008 to 2018. The calibration phase occurred between 2008 and 2011, followed by the validation phase between 2015 and 2018. The temporal choices were exclusively based on the availability of meteorological and hydrogeological data. During calibration, satellite data, previous study results, and groundwater level measurements were used to optimize the SWAT and MODFLOW models. Validation subsequently confirmed model accuracy by comparing simulated groundwater levels with observed data, demonstrating a satisfactory root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.22 m. Modelling results indicate that evapotranspiration is the predominant hydrological process, and excessive withdrawals could lead to a water deficit. Simulated piezometric maps provide crucial information on recharge areas and hydraulic compartments delineated by faults. The study not only advances the understanding of the hydrogeology of the specific case study but also provides a valuable reference for future modelling of karst aquifers. Additionally, it highlights the crucial need for ongoing enhancement in the management and monitoring of coastal karst aquifers.

Solute Transport in a Multi-Channel Karst System with Immobile Zones: An Example of Downtown Salado Spring Complex, Salado, Texas

To investigate the influence of flow rate increment on the solute transport parameter of immobile zones in a karst system, a dye tracer test was conducted in the Downtown Salado Spring Complex (DSSC) comprising three springs: Big Boiling, Anderson, and Doc Benedict springs. The Multiflow two-region nonequilibrium model (2RNE) was used to simulate the breakthrough curve (BTC) of the springs, and changes in the solute transport parameters in response to flow rate increment were observed. The simulation result showed that the 2RNE model was capable of reproducing the BTC of all the DSSC springs, with an R-squared value greater than 0.9 in all flow rate increment scenarios. The research demonstrates that a positive correlation will exist between the flow rate and solute transport parameter of the immobile zones if the tracer transport to the spring is truly influenced by immobile zones. In contrast, a negative correlation will exist between the flow rate and mass transfer coefficient if the immobile zone has less influence. Overall, the research provides insights into contaminant movement in karst by documenting how tracers are retained in the immobile fluid zone.

Co-tracing of groundwater emerging and conventional contaminants in karst area of Southwest China: Distribution, source, and source-specific health risks

Groundwater pollution, especially the co-contamination of emerging contaminants (ECs) and conventional contaminants, is increasingly recognized as a critical global concern. Karst aquifers are found throughout the world, providing critical water sources and sustaining rivers and ecosystems, and are particularly vulnerable to pollution. In this study, the characteristics of the contamination, potential sources, and source-specific health risks related to ECs and trace elements (TEs) in groundwater were investigated in Guiyang (a typical karst city in southwest China). The distribution of TEs followed a descending pattern from urban to suburban to rural areas. Interestingly, the median concentrations (217 ng/L) of Caffeine (CAF) in rural areas surpassed those in urban areas (145 ng/L) and even exceeded these in densely populated areas. Additionally, ECs and TEs in groundwater are significantly influenced by population density and land use types within a 1000-meter buffer zone around the sampling sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis and positive matrix factorization suggested that five principal sources of contamination were identified: domestic wastewater (29.7 %), industrial production (25.2 %), agricultural activities (16.3 %), natural and industrial sources (14.9 %), and pharmaceuticals (13.9 %). Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the non-carcinogenic risks to children in urban areas are significant, with 30.0 % of these risks exceeding the safety threshold. Source-specific health risk assessments indicated that industrial production is the primary source of risk. Furthermore, this study introduces a co-tracing method to trace the sources of groundwater contamination in karst systems. The co-tracing method based on the ECs and TEs allows for a deeper understanding of contaminant transfer and its fate in karst groundwater.

The importance of fault control on the geomorphological development of a deep karst system: the case of Sima GESM, a Z-supercave in southern Spain

The mountainous karst massif in the Sierra de las Nieves (southern Spain) and the adjacent large outcrops of subcontinental mantle peridotites provide this area with a distinctive geodiversity that has contributed to the recent declaration of the zone as the new Sierra de las Nieves National Park. In addition, the Alpine tectonic interaction between the peridotites and the carbonate formations originated an important fault, the Turquillas fault, that has conditioned the existence of two tectonic blocks in the karst massif, one uplifted with respect to the other. Also, in the uplifted block, the fault has contributed to the generation of Z-supercaves, which are defined in this paper as caves with more than 1000 m of development in the vertical or Z dimension. Sima GESM with 1100 m of depth is the only Z-supercave known in the giant geologic structure of the Gibraltar Arc, which speaks on the infrequent and exceptionality of the generation of these underground geomorphological systems. The task of this paper is to present a detailed study of the Turquillas fault and its influence in the surface and underground geomorphology and hydrogeology and in particular its influence and implications in the development of the deep karst system defined as the Z-supercave. It is hoped that this study will contribute to identify the necessary conditions for the development of these extraordinary geomorphic systems which are of great international relevance in the major mountain ranges of the world with high relief karst and deep karst systems.

Capacity and current use of the Formoso river watershed, bonito municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: conflicts and land use recommendations

The lack of planning and feasibility of controlling actions over land use and land cover lead to relationship problems between the support capacity that environmental systems present and their current use. The goal of this study is to figure out how much land can be used based on its natural and physical features and to find problems that come up because of the heavy use in the Formoso River watershed. It is one of the most recognized Brazilian watersheds, due to its turistic, karst, and environmental characteristics. The methodology consists in handling and generating data in a GIS environment by performing a synthesis map, as well as adopting geoprocessing criteria and techniques in the field to validate the collected data. The results indicate that the watershed presents large areas without conflicts due to its numerous conservation units. However, major conflicts are identified in other areas, affecting the balance and dynamics of the landscape and its water resources. Such conflicts arise because soybean crops advance in fragile and karst areas. The highest concentration of confit is only 1.61%, particularly near the Formoso River marsh. Therefore, the present work considers a methodology that assesses the capacity of use through a method that has produced a summary document that is applicable and compatible with the karst system.