Decision tree as a tool for the management of coastal aquifers of limited saturated thickness

CARRETERO S.; RODRÍGUES CAPÍTULO L.; KRUSE E.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

GEOLOGICAL SOC PUBL HOUSE

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2019 vol. 53 p. 189 - 200

1470-9236

In this work, a decision tree is presented?constructed onthe basis of hydrogeological characteristics (water table depth, freshwaterthickness, surface area required and distance between wells)?in order to choosethe optimal groundwater extraction method in the case of a coastal unconfinedaquifer.  A comparison is made of thegroundwater extraction methods in a freshwater aquifer of limited thicknessoccurring in coastal dunes in the eastern region of the Province of BuenosAires (Argentina). The negative effects brought about by the wrong use of the groundwaterextraction methods are analysed, since?as a result of excessive extraction?suchmethods lead to the dramatic decrease of the freshwater reserves. The decisiontree is a useful tool to assist decision-makers as it suggests the mostsuitable groundwater extraction method options (vertical wells or wellpoints),as well as identifying areas that are unsuitable for sustainable groundwaterextraction.