Fault-Mediated Groundwater-Surface Water Mixing Amplifies Hydrochemical/Hydrological Dynamics in a Semi-Arid Volcanic Lake Basin
Por:
Ramírez-González L., Olea-Olea S., Villanueva-Estrada R.E., Mejía-González M.A., González-Hita L., Morales-Casique E., Zamora-Martínez O., Gómez-Vasconcelos M.G., Avellan D.R., Ramírez-Serrato N.
Publicada:
1 ene 2026
Resumen:
© 2026 The Author(s). Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Understanding groundwater (GW) to surface water (SW) connectivity (i.e., the exchange of water and solutes between aquifers and surface bodies) is increasingly important under changing climate conditions, where precipitation deficits, water demand increase, and landscape transformations are intensifying water scarcity and ecosystem deterioration. This study examines the spatial distribution of GW and SW solute compositions and stable water isotopes across a temperate, volcanic lake basin in west-central Mexico to assess the hydrogeological connectivity and impact of anthropogenic activities within GW and the lacustrine system during the dry season. A spatially distributed sampling was conducted for major ions, nitrate, strontium, and d18O and d2H (precipitation, rivers, lakes, wells, and springs). Our results indicate that GW recharge at higher elevations is largely driven by direct infiltration of meteoric water, particularly in forested areas, and is characterised by Ca2+–Mg2+–HCO3- facies. Evidence of GW mixing with deeper sources is reflected in elevated water temperature and d18O values associated with water-rock interactions. Evapoconcentration exerts a clear influence on isotope enrichment in rivers and lakes. Increasing strontium concentrations toward Lake Cuitzeo highlights the influence of fracture and fault connectivity on the regional GW flow system. High nitrate concentrations in shallow GW sources suggest a potential link to irrigation return flows and wastewater. Our findings provide novel evidence of the climatic and anthropogenic influence on hydrological dynamics of GW-fed systems in semi-arid regions of Mesoamerica, underscoring the urgent need for integrated management and protection strategies to sustain regional water resources and fragile lake systems worldwide.
Filiaciones:
Posgrado en Ciencias de la tierra, Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
Departamento de Dinámica Terrestre Superficial, Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
Unidad Michoacán, Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
Subordinación de Hidrología Subterránea, Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y del Suelo, Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
Laboratorio Nacional de Geoquímica y Mineralogía (LANGEM), Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
SECIHTI-Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
SECIHTI-Instituto de Geofísica Unidad Michoacán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, México
Recursos Naturales, Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
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