Isotopic characterization and recharge dynamics of Karst aquifers in a mediterranean basin
Study regionHeadwater of the Llobregat River, Spain.Study focusThis study advances the understanding of hydrological and hydrogeological processes in fractured and karstified carbonate massifs by characterizing the isotopic composition of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. A total of 115...
| Autores: | , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2026 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) |
| Repositorio: | DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:dnet:digitalcsic_::d9c324cb449b5a415a459c7c91f5825e |
| Acesso em linha: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/427989 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105034597738 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Water resources management Llobregat River Recharge areas Stable isotopes http://metadata.un.org/sdg/11 http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3 http://metadata.un.org/sdg/6 http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9 http://metadata.un.org/sdg/12 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns |
| Resumo: | Study regionHeadwater of the Llobregat River, Spain.Study focusThis study advances the understanding of hydrological and hydrogeological processes in fractured and karstified carbonate massifs by characterizing the isotopic composition of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. A total of 115 water samples collected between April 2024 and February 2025 were analysed to assess temporal and spatial isotopic variability, examine relationships between stable isotopes and meteorological variables, reconstruct backward trajectories of moisture sources, and delineate recharge zones.New hydrological insight(1) An isotopic gradient linked to moisture conditions was identified, indicating that thermodynamic processes and air-mass origin exert primary control on d-excess. (2) Moisture sources contributing to precipitation were identified as the Atlantic Ocean (44 %), the Mediterranean Sea (24 %), France (18 %), and the Cantabrian Sea (14 %). Backward trajectory analysis highlights the relationship between moisture provenance and isotopic signatures; however, accumulated precipitation samples represent integrated mixtures of multiple sources. (3) Groundwater and surface water isotopic signatures suggest dominant winter recharge occurring above 1800 m a.s.l., consistent with regional topography and the highly karstified structure of the Moixeró massif. Seasonal precipitation signals preserved in groundwater further suggest short residence times and rapid recharge responses. (4) These findings support improved water-resource management and highlight the sensitivity of alpine karst systems to climatic variability, underscoring the need for continued isotopic monitoring. |
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