M. Mudarra

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Verified

M. verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

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• PhD
• Lecturer at University of Malaga

Human pressures and global change are threatening water resources. Circumstances vary in each location; therefore, finding solutions that address local issues helps achieve comprehensive water management strategies. In the Andean basins, the pre-Inca cultures used nature-based water management techniques to deal with the dry seasons. This knowledge...

Carbonate rocks in the Mediterranean region form karst landscapes with a variety of morphological and hydrological features, and are of particular interest from a water management perspective as they represent major karst aquifers. The Mediterranean Karst Aquifer Map and Database (MEDKAM) provides a 1:5,000,000 scale map showing the distribution of...

El Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata – Níjar es una de las regiones con menores precipitaciones de la Península Ibérica, si bien son comunes los eventos torrenciales. El sustrato geológico lo forman rocas volcánicas de diversa tipología, sobre las que se disponen carbonatos terciarios y depósitos cuaternarios más recientes. En este trabajo se presenta...

Understanding groundwater recharge processes is important for sustainable water resource management. Experimental approaches to study recharge in karst areas often focus on analysing the aquifer response using a disintegration of its outlet signals, but only a few approaches directly investigate the recharge processes that occur at the surface of t...

The present contribution compares the geomorphological characteristics of dolines developed in three different geological contexts in southern Spain: an evaporite tectonic melánge, a bare-carbonate massif, and an outcrop of inter-stratified sedimentary gypsum sequence. In the three cases, the closed depressions have been identified and mapped using...

In this work, a preliminary conceptual model of the hydrogeological functioning of a binary karst aquifer located in southern Spain is presented, based on the natural responses of the springs and the dye tracer tests. Results derived from the long-term analysis of cross-correlation function (CCF) (global average time of recharge input) have been va...

The Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) is a widely used performance measure because of its advantages in orthogonally considering bias, correlation and variability. However, in most Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, error-based formal likelihood functions are commonly applied. Due to its statistically informal characteristics, using the origina...

Understanding groundwater recharge processes is important for sustainable water resource management. Experimental approaches to study recharge in karst areas often focus on analysing the aquifer response using a disintegration of its outlet signals, but only a few directly investigate the recharge processes that occur at the surface of the system....

The protection of geodiversity has been gaining interest during the last decades. However, the study of hydro-diversity has been much less developed than other aspects of the geological heritage (lithology, mineralogy, geomorphology, palaeontology). The objective of this work is to help with an inclusive definition of hydro-diversity by assessing i...

The present study seeks to examine the influence of altitude on maximum daily precipitation events in the Pacific basin of the Jubones River (Ecuador), which is known for having a marked difference in altitudinal variation. Precipitation events are assessed based on the 95th and 99th percentiles of a pluviometric data series, classifying them as ra...

The Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) is a widely used performance measure because of its advantages in orthogonally considering bias, correlation and variability. However, in most Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, error-based formal likelihood functions are commonly applied. Due to its statistically informal characteristics, using the origina...

La Fortaleza de La Mota es un recinto defensivo levantado en la cúspide del cerro homónimo, en la localidad jienense de Alcalá la Real. Aunque presenta elementos anteriores, se considera que fue durante la época nazarí (siglos XIII y XIV) cuando alcanzó su mayor esplendor. Su ubicación, en el límite entre los reinos cristianos y musulmanes, provocó...

El manantial de Meliones (provincia de Málaga) es una polisurgencia hipersalina asociada a la formación arcilloso-evaporítica del Trías de Antequera. Su drenaje natural deteriora la calidad química del agua embalsada en la presa del Guadalhorce, una de las fuentes de abastecimiento a la ciudad de Málaga. Algunos organismos públicos ejecutaron medid...

Cover Story: This work compares the applicability of several free-surface evaporation and runoff equations for simulating water level variations in small Mediterranean wetlands: the Jarales (centre of the picture) and Amarga wetlands, two pilot sites with an evaporite-karst genesis located in southern Spain. The results permitted specifying the wat...

This work compares the applicability of several free-surface evaporation and runoff equations in simulating water level variations of small Mediterranean wetlands. The Amarga and Jarales wetland are two pilot sites with an evaporite-karst genesis located in southern Spain. The water level was continuously recorded in both wetlands, and exhaustive w...

Significance Clean groundwater is essential for water supply in many regions of the world. Fast flow to the groundwater through enlarged cracks and fissures, which is known to transmit short-lived pollutants into the groundwater, is often neglected in large-scale studies. We quantify the rapid transport of pollutants by fast flow into the carbonate...

Treated wastewater reuse is essential for water supply in areas where the pressure over water resources is high. This is the case of the Costa del Sol and the Guadalhorce Valley, where a lot of water is required for urban, agricultural and recreational uses. Most of this water is coming from natural sources instead of being reused, which percentage...

Groundwater vulnerability mapping is one of the tools most often applied to analyse the sensitivity of karst aquifers to pollution. These maps aim to support stakeholders in decision-making and to promote land-use management compatible with water protection; however, the validation of these maps is still a challenge in many cases, triggering high u...

En general, el caudal y los valores de conductividad eléctrica del agua de ambos ríos aumentan en el sentido del flujo y la composición química evoluciona de facies bicarbonatada-cálcica a bicarbonatada-cálcico-magnésica, como consecuencia del drenaje de dolomías hacia aguas abajo en los respectivos cauces. Existen tramos con un claro carácter gana...

The Trías de Antequera (in the north of the province of Malaga), belonging to the so-called Chaotic Subbetic Complexes, is formed by diverse materials (clays, evaporites, sandstone, ophites, dolostones, etc.). This complex has traditionally been considered to have low permeable behavior as a whole. Nevertheless, some studies evidence high hydrogeol...

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Environmental dating tracers ( ³ H, ³ He, ⁴ He, CFC‐12, CFC‐11, and SF 6 ) and the natural spring response (hydrochemistry, water temperature, and hydrodynamics) were jointly used to assess mixing processes and to characterize groundwater flow in a relatively small carbonate aquifer with complex geology in southern Spain. Results evidence a marked...

Groundwater pollution threatens human and ecosystem health in many areas around the globe. Shortcuts to the groundwater through concentrated recharge are known to transmit short-lived pollutants into carbonate aquifers endangering water quality of around a quarter of the world population. However, the large-scale impact of such concentrated recharg...

Environmental dating tracers (3 H, 3 He, 4 He, CFC-12, CFC-11, SF 6) and the natural response of spring (hydrochemistry, water temperature, and hydrodynamics) were jointly used to assess mixing processes and to characterize groundwater flow in a relatively small carbonate aquifer with complex geology in South Spain. Results evidence a marked karst...

Karst systems are characterized by a high subsurface heterogeneity, and their complex recharge processes are difficult to characterize. Experimental methods to study karst systems mostly focus on analysing the entire aquifer. Despite their important role in recharge processes, the soil and epikarst receive limited attention, and the few available s...

Karst aquifers provide drinking water for 10% of the world’s population, support agriculture, groundwater-dependent activities, and ecosystems. These aquifers are characterised by complex groundwater-flow systems, hence, they are extremely vulnerable and protecting them requires an in-depth understanding of the systems. Poor data accessibility has...

The analysis of natural responses (hydrodynamic, hydrothermal and hydrochemical) of karst springs is a well-established approach to provide insights into the hydrogeological functioning of the aquifers that they drain. However, a suitable monitoring program of these responses is often difficult to launch in poorly accessible streambed springs, due...

In this work, a reliable understanding of the storage patterns and flow dynamics of a tectonically complex karst system is attained by means of the combined analysis of results derived from geological and karst-specific -i.e. hydrogeological- approaches (hydrodynamic, hydrochemical, hydrothermal and isotopic). The pilot site comprises rocks belongi...

The hydrogeological functioning of four different areas in a complex evaporite-karst unit of predominantly aquitard behavior in S Spain was investigated. Environmental dating tracers (3H, 3He, 4He, CFC-12, SF6) and hydrochemical data were determined from spring samples to identify and characterize groundwater flow components of different residence...

Karst systems are characterized by a high subsurface heterogeneity, and their complex recharge processes are difficult to characterize. Experimental methods to study karst systems mostly focus on analysing the entire aquifer. Despite their important role in recharge processes, the soil and epikarst receive limited attention, and the few available s...

This work adopts a multicriteria approach, combining diverse karst hydrogeology techniques, to investigate the functioning of evaporite-karst systems, which are normally less studied due to the poor quality of their water resources. The applicability of using several methods was also verified. In view of previous experience at a pilot site within s...

La elevada heterogeneidad estructural de los acuíferos kársticos hace necesario un control riguroso de sus respuestas naturales y el empleo de diferentes metodologías de investigación para caracterizar su funcionamiento y evaluar los recursos hídricos subterráneos existentes. El presente trabajo muestra el diseño de la red de control hidrogeológico...

Integration of the abundant information derived from different sources, characterizing techniques and modeling methodologies, is crucial for extending our knowledge of karst aquifers and their available water resources. In this work, a numerically based approach derived from an improved version of the lumped VarKarst model is proposed, which jointl...

With the progressive evolution of industrial sector, agricultural, urbanization, population and drinking water supply, the water demand continuously increases which necessitates the planning of groundwater recharge particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper gives a comprehensive review of various recharges studies in the North Gafsa bas...

Chemical evolution of groundwater along two main flowpaths was studied in Brujuelo area, an evaporite plateau characterized by the presence of wetlands and drained by hyper-saline springs. Major ions were analyzed, saturation indexes of the main mineral species were computed, and inverse geochemical modeling was performed. Results show a relationsh...

We used hydrogeochemical techniques and environmental isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) to characterize karst aquifers without a well-known hydrogeological conceptual model. The selected study area corresponds to carbonate outcrops located in the Sierra Grazalema Natural Park (SGNP) in southern Spain. The combination of high rainfall, large areas of carbonat...

Tracer concentration data from field experiments conducted in several carbonate aquifers (Malaga province, southern Spain) were analyzed following a dual approach based on the graphical evaluation method (GEM) and solute transport modeling to decipher flow mechanisms in karst systems at regional scale. The results show that conduit system geometry...

Understanding the transference of water resources within hydrogeological systems, particularly in coastal aquifers, in which groundwater discharge may occur through multiple pathways (through springs, into rivers and streams, towards the sea, etc.), is crucial for sustainable groundwater use. This research aims to demonstrate the usefulness of the...

The geomorphological characteristics and hydrogeological functioning of a geologically heterogeneous evaporitic karst plateau in Southern Spain were studied. Land surface information (LiDAR data) was used to analyze the shape and distribution of closed depressions. An artificial tracer test and monitoring of the natural responses of the main spring...

Analysis of natural responses of karst springs (discharge, temperature and electrical conductivity) provides reliable information on dynamics of karst aquifers. Quantitative evaluation of response times can be used to understand and characterize the factors responsible for modelling and transferring of input signal (rainfall) to different output si...

Knowledge of groundwater flow in mountain karst aquifers is crucial because these are main contributors to many rivers of southern Spain. Analysis of natural responses (hydrodynamic, hydrochemical, and isotopic data −δ13CTDIC−) from two nearby karst springs located in the Sierra de Jarastepar aquifer have allowed deducing the considerable hydrogeol...

At southern Cordoba Province (S Spain), an evaporitic karst plateau drained by brine springs is located. A periodic monitoring of discharge rate, EC, water temperature, and pH was performed in one of them (Lower Anzur spring) and water samples were collected for chemical analysis. Physicochemical data were used to perform a principal component anal...

Karst aquifers provide a significant contribution to the drinking water supplies of many countries in Europe. Estimating their recharge rate, i.e. the fraction of precipitation that is turned into groundwater recharge, is an essential tool to assess usable groundwater water volumes. In this study, we extended a previously developed GIS-based rechar...

Chemical and isotopic evolution of groundwater in an evaporite karst plateau (including wetland areas and saline to hyper-saline springs) located at S Spain was studied. Physicochemical parameters, major ions and stable isotopes were analyzed in rain, brine spring, wetland and leakage water samples, from which the most common mineral saturation ind...

The Salinas-Los Hoyos karst system is a geological diapiric structure formed by materials of diverse nature (clays, sandstones, evaporites, volcanic rocks, dolostones, etc.) placed between Malaga and Granada provinces (S Spain). The abundance of evaporite rocks (gypsum, anhydrite and halite) and their high solubility contribute to the development o...

The northern sector of the External Zone of the Betic Cordillera (S Spain) is formed by an olistostrome unit known as the Chaotic Subbetic Complexes (CSC). This megabreccia is basically made of clays and evaporite rocks (gypsum and salt) of Upper Triassic (Keuper) age as well as other lithologies (dolostones, limestones, marls and calcareous sandst...

Protection zoning of karst springs and wells used for water supply is a key aspect in many countries, calling for specific methodologies adapted to the particular characteristics of karst media. This work presents a new approach, in view of the present state of the art and based on experiences with contamination vulnerability mapping at the pilot s...

Hydrodynamic and hydrochemical monitoring of springs has been largely used to study carbonate aquifers and to determine their hydrogeological functioning. In this work, temporal evolutions regarding flow discharge, major components, and natural soil tracers (Total Organic Carbon and NO3−) of four springs draining karst aquifers located in Sierra de...

Temporal evolutions of discharge, water chemistry (electrical conductivity, temperature, alkalinity, Cl−, SO42−, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+) and carbonate controlling variables (PCO2 and SIcalcite), together with natural tracers of infiltration (TOC and NO3−), monitored in two karst springs of the Sierra Gorda de Villanueva del Trabuco aquifer (Southern Spain...

Karst aquifers present hydrogeological characteristics that distinguish them from others such as fractured and granular aquifers. In particular, they are characterized by highly heterogeneous functioning (large temporal and spatial variability), which makes difficult the application of traditional research methods to karst hydrogeology. For this re...

GIS-based methods are often used to assess the spatial distribution of mean annual recharge rates of karstic aquifers, but they typically do not provide temporal information about the dynamics of recharge. Numerical models are able to assess the temporal dynamics of recharge but they often provide only a single time series of recharge without any i...

Karst aquifers provide large parts of the water supply for Mediterranean countries, though climate change is expected to have a significant negative impact on water availability. Recharge is therefore a key variable that has to be known for sustainable groundwater use. In this study, we present a new approach that combines two independent methods f...

Analysis of natural responses of karst springs provides information on the behavior of the aquifers they drain. Detailed monitoring and qualitative and quantitative analyses of natural responses, and environmental—total organic carbon (TOC), NO3 -, Cl- and intrinsic fluorescence—and artificial (fluorescent dye) tracers, in the water drained by Vill...

We have studied the hydrodynamic, physical-chemical and isotopic characteristics of a spring associated with a smallish aquifer located in the province of Granada on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada. The aquifer, composed of carbonate rocks belonging to the Alpujarride domain in the Betic Cordillera, shows considerable surface karstification...

Analysis of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and NO3− contents in the water at six springs in the province of Malaga (Southern Spain), sampled under different hydrologic conditions, revealed two different hydrochemical behaviour patterns for these natural tracers of infiltration. TOC content increased during every recharge period, following the rapid arr...

Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio hidrodinámico del acuífero carbonático de las Sierras de Camarolos y del Jobo, a partir del análisis de las series de caudal medio diario en el manantial de Villanueva del Rosario, principal punto de descarga natural del sistema, para dos periodos temporales diferentes: desde marzo de 1977 hasta julio de 1980 y desde...

Analysis of TOC and NO3 -contents in the water at four springs in the province of Malaga (southern Spain), sampled under different hydrologic conditions, revealed two different hydrochemical behaviour patterns for these natural tracers of infiltration. TOC content increased during every recharge period, following the rapid arrival of water infiltra...

From analysis of spectrophotometric properties of dissolved organic matter (OM) and the hydrochemical responses of some karst springs under different hydrologic conditions, an assessment of the origin and transfer pathway of OM present in karst spring waters, from soil and epikarst toward the spring, has been conducted for three karst aquifers in s...

The hydrochemical response at springs in the drainage area of the Sierra del Rey—Los Tajos carbonate aquifer (province of Málaga, southern Spain) was monitored in order to determine the hydrogeological functioning of this aquifer. Analysis of the most important chemical parameters, using methodologies such as the temporal evolution of chemical comp...

From analysis of the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical responses of karst springs, it is possible to know the behaviour of the aquifers they drain. This manuscript aims to contribute to the characterization of infiltration process, and to determine the relative importance of the saturated zone and of the unsaturated zone in the hydrogeological functio...

We have studied the hydrodynamic, physical-chemical and isotopic characteristics of a spring associated with a smallish aquifer located in the province of Granada on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada. The aquifer, composed of carbonate rocks belonging to the Alpujarride domain in the Betic Cordillera, shows considerable surface karstification...

The major chemical parameters, TOC and natural fluorescence of Yedra spring, Malaga province, southern Spain were monitored from April 2008 to March 2009. The electrical conductivity and the concentrations of most major ions decreased following recharge periods. The TOC and NO-3, representing tracers from the soil that infiltrate through the unsatu...

Karst specific landforms should be especially considered in assessing contamination vulnerability because they can be areas of preferential infiltration (temporary or permanently) bypassing the protective cover. The aim of this paper is to describe the different role of karst features in vulnerability mapping and the need to use specific methods in...

The hydrochemical response at springs in the drainage area of the Sierra del Rey – Los Tajos carbonate aquifer (province of Málaga, southern Spain) was monitored to determine the hydrogeological functioning of this aquifer. Analysis of the most important chemical parameters, using various methodologies, such as the time variation of electrical cond...

A multi-tracer test was done in the Alta Cadena and Los Tajos mountains range (Malaga province, southern Spain) in order to delimitate the aquifer system drained by Villanueva del Rosario spring and to precise its hydrogeological behaviour. The results show a partitioning of the carbonate outcrops in different aquifer systems. The system drained by...