Tracing Neotropical springs in crystalline rocks: Hydrogeochemical and statistical insights
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32685/0120-1425/bol.geol.52.2.2025.759Keywords:
Vadose water, hydrometeorological interactions, tropical hydrogeology, hydrogeochemical characterization, multivariate analysis, mountain aquifer systems, groundwater
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Copyright (c) 2025 Servicio Geológico Colombiano
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Abstract
Historically, spring's hydrogeological, ecosystemic, and cultural importance has been recognized for protecting groundwater and surface water resources. However, in Colombia, studies on spring water are minimal, and there is no established methodology for their correct classification, especially in tropical zones, where the hydrogeological systems are highly complex due to abrupt topography, high precipitation, and the development of thick soils.
The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the interactions of rainwater and hydrochemical processes as it infiltrates, flows, and interacts with the underground medium in a mountainous area of the municipality of San Roque, Department of Antioquia, to determine whether the emerging water on the surface is groundwater or vadose water. For this purpose, hydrogeochemical analyses and multivariate clustering were conducted within the context of the area's hydrogeological knowledge, using on-site physicochemical and water quality data from various water types.
The results show that not all sampling points in the study zone can be classified as spring water; some exhibit a direct relationship with rainwater, without necessarily discharging from the saturated zone. Our results provide a preliminary assessment of the research and classification of spring waters in Colombia, which is crucial for refining current guidelines on the declaration of protected zones and on soil utilization associated with the groundwater resources.
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