Trayectorias de flujo subterráneo asociado a los lagos de Pátzcuaro y Cuitzeo

Abstract

This study determines the components of a groundwater flow system associated with Lakes Pátzcuaro and Cuitzeo. The objectives are: a) to delineate flow trajectories and b) to identify the pathways that contribute to lake recharge. The methodology included water sampling, hydrogeochemical, isotopic, and statistical analysis of groundwater and surface water. The results show pathways with unique hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics: local, intermediate, and regional. Hydrogeochemical evolution is lower in local pathways and higher in regional ones. The lakes receive groundwater discharges with different flow pathways, with the local pathway being the most widespread in the system. The environmental impacts shows nitrate in local and intermediate trajectories.