Aquifer vulnerability mapping and associated spatial uncertainty

Abstract

Quantitative estimation of water resources is indispensable when it comes to getting the sustainability of aquifers through planning. This becomes an essential aspect in areas whose primary economic activity is agriculture, in which ensure the availability of water means ensuring the sustainability of the societal and economic systems. This is the example of the Cuellar Moor karstic aquifer, located in the international Duero watershed, in which more than 80% of its surface is aimed to agricultural use.

The main goal of this research is the introduction of a new vulnerability index, which gathers together the hydrogeological covariates and the spatial uncertainty associated with the estimation of groundwater level and nitrate concentration. An optimized monitoring network to piezometric level and nitrate concentration control is required, as well as, to determine the vulnerability associated with pumping wells.