Feliciano Cruz, Luisa I.

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    Study of storm-generated response in karst springs to assess spring watershed characteristics
    (2023-12-12) Feliciano Cruz, Luisa I.; Padilla Cestero, Ingrid Y.; College of Engineering; Silva Araya, Walter F.; Muñoz Barreto, Jonathan; Becker, Sarah J.; Department of Civil Engineering; Huérfano Moreno, Víctor
    Karst terrains show distinctive surface and subsurface features associated with sinkholes, caves, and springs. Karst springs, in particular, provide an insight into the interaction of input precipitation, karst aquifers, and groundwater discharge (groundwater-surface water interaction). Karst aquifers, in turn, are a significant freshwater resource for human consumption and ecological integrity. Hence, understanding how hydrologic conditions in karst environments, particularly in springs, affect contaminant fate and transport is crucial to establishing effective source water protection areas (SWPAs) to safeguard groundwater and public health. Therefore, this dissertation aims to develop a methodology to delineate spring watersheds in karst by relating spatiotemporal rainfall events to spring discharge response, using the northern karst region of Puerto Rico as a case study. Multivariate time series analysis is employed to cross-correlate spatiotemporal rainfall distribution from NOAA’s Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) imagery and spring response by considering specific storm events. The cross-correlation coefficients determined which pixels contribute to groundwater recharge and, ultimately, spring catchment by mapping their locations using geographical information system (GIS) software. Results show that the spring under study exhibits variable flow response to major rain events depending on hydrologic conditions. This was evidenced by lag times of 3 and 79 days for wet and dry years, respectively. Results for the spatiotemporal cross-correlation analysis provided a potential catchment area of about 12.25 sq mi, which agrees with the proposed groundwater flow direction and groundwater divides. Hence, the proposed methodology offers crucial insights into delineating spring watersheds, facilitating an understanding of potential contaminant fate, transport, and mass loading. This understanding, in turn, can support the establishment of SWPAs, ensuring the preservation of groundwater resources and the safeguarding of public health.