Hydrogeomorphological mapping as a tool in groundwater exploration

Figures & data

Figure 1. Hydrogeological background of the study areas: Alardo and Touca sites (adapted from Carvalho, 2006; Carvalho, Espinha Marques, Afonso, & Chaminé, 2007).

Figure 2. Regional framework of the study area (Alardo and Touca sites): (A) Morphotectonic general features from Northern Portugal (adapted from Brum Ferreira, 1991); (B) Satellite image (compiled from Landsat 7 ETM + data, 2000/01; all IR colour, bands 7-4-5 = RGB; adapted from Global Land Cover Facility) and main hydromineral springs (adapted from Carvalho et al., 2007); (C) Shaded relief and regional hydrogeology (adapted from Carvalho et al., 2007); (D) Slope of the region.

Figure 3. Field aspects of the studied sites: (a) View of Alardo site and ‘Cova da Beira’ plains in the background; (b) General view of Gardunha mountain ridge; (c) Hydrogeological inventory mapping: water mine excavated in granite; (d) Granitic core stones and weathered granite in Gardunha sloped area; (e) View of Touca plains, with Gardunha mountain system in the background; (f/g) Outcrop and weathered granite in Touca site.

Figure 4. Conceptual flowchart of the hydrogeomorphological mapping methodology applied to the Alardo and Touca sites (Portugal).

Table 1. Summary of hydrogeological ‘favourability’ for potential infiltration on fissured hard-rock, focused in to groundwater recharge/discharge for the studied sites (adapted from Teixeira et al., 2010).

Parameters	Recharge	Discharge
Lithological weathering grade
• W 1-2 to W 3	−	+
• W 4-5	+	+
Ground fracturing degree
• F 1-2	−	−
• F 3 to F 4-5	+	+
Tectonic lineaments	+	+
Topography/slope
• Flat top	+	−
• Bottom valley	−	+
• Steep convex/rectilinear	−	−
Drainage network
• Low-to-medium density	−	−
• High-density	+	+
Land cover
• Forest and agricultural areas	+	−
Rainfall	+	+
Ground fracture intercept (see ISRM, 2007): F 1-2: wide, F 3: moderate, F 4-5: close; Weathering grade (see ISRM, 2007): W 1-2: fresh to slight; W 3: moderate, W 4-5: high.

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