Derivation of parameters for the use of the SWAT in the groundwater recharge estimate in a karst-fissural aquifero in brazil semiarid

• Published in: Águas subterrâneas (São Paulo, Brazil) Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 22 - 33
• Main Authors: Lorrayne Silva, Stela Dalva dos Santos Cota
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Águas Subterrâneas 01-01-2019
• Subjects: SWAT. MODFLOW. Modelagem computacional. Sistemas hídricos
• ISSN: 0101-7004; 2179-9784
• DOI: 10.14295/ras.v33i1.29160

The mathematical model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) allows different physical processes to be simulated in a watershed scale to estimate the aquifer recharge rates. The modeled physical processes require specific information about climate, soil properties, slope, among others. The model has a comprehensive database for these parameters, but they are more appropriated to temperate zones. This work applied regional and local data using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to obtain the parameter values and the calibration of the model using observed surface discharge rates. This method was applied for demonstration purposes in watersheds of the Brazilian semi-arid, tributaries of the São Francisco River, located in the north of Minas Gerais, and was considered satisfactory for capturing the spatial variability of the recharge rates of the aquifer, allowing their use in hydrogeological models.