Groundwater research in central Nicaragua

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 List of selected publications related to geosciences in Nicaragua

 

Department of Engineering Geology
Centro de Investigaciones Geocientíficas (CIGEO/ UNAN)

 

 
By José Alfredo Mendoza

The Centro de Investigaciones Geocientíficas, at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua ( UNAN-Managua ) develops studies on groundwater occurrence in central Nicaragua. CIGEO also wellcomes international students and researchers to perform their groundwater research in the central region of Nicaragua.

In contrast with the large aquifers found in the Pacific coast region of Nicaragua, aquifers are not abundant in the nicaraguan highlands. A number of intermountain valleys of hydrogeological importance are sparsely distributed in the area, occurring mostly in volcanic terrains of Tertiary origin. The hydrogeological environment consists of a fractured rock. The groundwater resources have been scarcely investigated despite the high need of water supply for the population.

There are a few studies being developed in the central region at the moment; one undergraduate thesis by Gabriel Moreno, a swedish Minor Field Study by Nanna Andler and Martin Petterson, and a PhD by Lener Sequeira.

The research aims to contribute to the knowledge of groundwater resources in the central regions of Nicaragua in particular in the Río Malacatoya basin. Two particular objectives can be outlined:

1. Investigate the groundwater systems’ geometry, characterise the groundwater occurrence and identify the recharge areas.

2. Identify possible hazards of groundwater pollution and suggest groundwater protection areas.

Geophysical and hydrogeologycal methods have been used to accomplish these objectives so far, the electrical resisitivity method has been extensively used in the area to map geological structures related to groundwater occurence. Chemical analysis of water from springs and streams, together with measurements of river flows have been carried out as well .

The areas have been selected regarding drinking water scarcity and pollution hazard considerations.

 
Women and children processing gold in Rio Sucio, close to Santo Domingo, in the central regions of Nicaragua
Open pit in La Libertad
Old open pit mine in La Libertad
Old man tanning leather
Leather tanning in the south part of Rio Mico basin

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Hydrogeology

Little is known about the hydrogeology of central Nicaragua, but regarding the results achieved so far, groundwater occurence appears to be related to tectonic features (faults, fractures) and the strong weathering process in the area .

Geophysics

Geophysical methods are being used for studying the aquifers properties. A multi electrode resistivity/IP data acquisition system, the Lund Imaging System, has intensely been used for field investigations in the study areas. Different electrode arrays, likely Wenner and Wenner-Schlumberger, with several inter-electrode spacings are used for performing the Continuous Vertical Electrical Soundings (CVES). In the future, other geophysical methods will be aquired to be used in these investigations .

Resistivity profile
This image shows the resistivity results of a Continuous V ertical Electrical Sounding (CVES) that crosses a stream and a quartz vein perpendicularly. Note the steep topography .

Complementary methods

Geophysical and hydrogeological methods have to be combined with other methods and tools to provide a comprehensive overview of the conditions in the area. Geographic information is valuable for this investigations, thus background and colected data is integrated in a Geographic Information System. Watertable levels in wells and positions of geological bodies are measured/located with a D-GPS (Differential-Global Positioning System). Topographical, geomorphological and cartographical data are also included when evaluating the colected information in this research.

The combination and analysis of diverse geographic data can provide important information for the study of hydrogeological and environmental problems
Old mine gallery
 
A underground system of  galleries and shafts used for gold mining during the XVIII s. serves to colect water for the village of Santo Domingo.

Publications

Resistivity imaging as a tool for groundwater studies in Santo Domingo, Nicaragua

Mapping a quartz vein using three electrode arrays at Santo Domingo

Geophysical methods for groundwater exploration in Ocotal, northern Nicaragua

 

Thesis  Projects

Spring formation and water circulation in the upper Malacatoya basin, Nicaragua. By Nanna Andler and Martin Pettersson.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements in the Río Artiguas watershed. By Magnus Eckeskog (2005)

Geology of the southern part of Río Artiguas. By Meyling Marianela Herrera Delgado (2005)

Surface water- groundwater water quality assessment on Rio Artiguas. By Ligia and Tania Espinosa (June-August 2004)

Geology of the northern part of  Río Artiguas. By Martha Sánchez (2005)

Investigation of Groundwater – Surface Water Interaction in the Drainage Basin of the River Sucio, Nicaragua. By Katarina Grunander and Elisabeth Nordenberg (2003)

Inventory of springs and hydrochemical investigations of groundwater in the drainage basin of Sucio river, Nicaragua. By Marie Aronsson and Cornelia Wallner  (2001)

 

List of selected publications related to geosciences in Nicaragua




José Alfredo Contact

For comments, questions or contributions please contact...

José Alfredo Mendoza
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Centro de Investigaciones Geocientíficas (CIGEO\UNAN, Managua) Colonia Miguel Bonilla #165 Apartado Postal A- 131, Managua,
Nicaragua
Tel + 505 270 3983 Fax + 505 277 0613
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