A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega aquifer, Nicaragua

Calderón Palma, Heyddy and Bentley, Laurence R. (2007) A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega aquifer, Nicaragua. Hydrogeology Journal, 15 (8). pp. 1457-1472.

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Resumen

Abstract Groundwater flow in the Leon-Chinandega
aquifer was simulated using transient and steady-state
numerical models. This unconfined aquifer is located in an
agricultural plain in northwest Nicaragua. Previous studies
were restricted to determining groundwater availability for
irrigation, overlooking the impacts of groundwater development.
A sub-basin was selected to study the groundwater
flow system and the effects of groundwater
development using a numerical groundwater flow model
(Visual MODFLOW). Hydrological parameters obtained
from pumping tests were related to each hydrostratigraphic
unit to assign the distribution of parameter values
within each model layer. River discharge measurements
were crucial for constraining recharge estimates and
reducing the non-uniqueness of the model calibration.
Steady-state models have limited usefulness because of
the major variation of recharge and agricultural pumping
during the wet and dry seasons. Model results indicate that
pumping induces a decrease in base flow, depleting river
discharge. This becomes critical during dry periods, when
irrigation is highest. Transient modeling indicates that the
response time of the aquifer is about one hydrologic year,
which allows the development of management strategies
within short time horizons. Considering further development
of irrigated agriculture in the area, the numerical
model can be a powerful tool for water resources management

Item Type:	Article
Información Adicional:	Artículo publicado Hydrogeology Journal v.15(8),2007
Palabras Clave Informales:	Acuíferos-León-Chinandega
Materias:	TESAURO DE INGENIERÍA SANITARIA Y AMBIENTAL > 3000 Recursos hídricos y contaminación del agua > 3200 Acuíferos
Divisiones:	CENTROS DE INVESTIGACION > CENTRO PARA LA INVESTIGACION EN RECURSOS ACUATICOS DE NICARAGUA - CIRA > Artículos Científicos – CIRA
Depositing User:	Lic. Reyna Palma
Date Deposited:	29 Aug 2016 23:13
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2017 20:13
URI:	http://repositorio.unan.edu.ni/id/eprint/2466

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