Author(s): Alderlene Pimentel De Brito; Savio Jose Filgueiras Ferreira; Didier Gastmans
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Keywords: Rainfall variability; Groundwater impact; Central Amazonia
Abstract: This study aims to identify the impacts on groundwater (GW) within a pristine micro-scale catchment in the Central Amazon related to observed alterations on the hydrological cycle. Precipitation and GW levels from seven piezometers distributed along a hydrological transect covering three zones (lowland, slope and plateau) were collected for the period 2001-2021. External (evapotranspiration, GW storage and climate patterns) and computed (annual recharge) data were used to strengthen the analyses. We identified a generalized growth trend in all compartments (rainfall, evaporation and water table). Water balance components exhibited heterogeneity in water table fluctuations, depending on distance from stream and water depth. Surface processes influenced shallow groundwaters levels associated with rapid overflow and low recharge. Conversely, deep groundwater responses involved slower processes related to water movement and were more representative of regional GW. Deep groundwater showed larger seasonal and inter-annual fluctuations, annual recharge and positive trends than shallow groundwater levels.
Year: 2024