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Huaura aquifer (Peru) response towards land use and climate change
scenarios with special emphasis in Albufera de Medio Mundo
Author(s): Daniela Cid EscobarNone
Co-author(s): Luís Ribeiro ; Nuno Barreiras
Corresponding Author(s): nuno.barreiras@tecnico.ulisboa.pt, luis.ribeiro@tecnico.ulisboa.pt, daniela.cid@upc.edu

Coastal environments, especially wetlands, provide a valuable range of ecological services. These
services benefit nearby communities that often make use of the resources that these ecosystems
provide. Climate change and demographic changes can become a threat to their stability and a trigger
for inter-community conflict. In this context, the characterization of water resources acquires high
importance when determining the vulnerabilities and potential impacts associated with global
change.
This study presents a quantitative characterization of the Huaura aquifer and its relationship with
the Albufera de Medio Mundo wetland, in the central coast of Peru. A MODFLOW numerical
groundwater model was constructed and calibrated to analyse the behaviour of the hydrogeological
system. From the water balance analysis, it was possible to determine that the main recharge of the
aquifer is related to agricultural activities, while the main discharges are to the ocean. Through the
WETSPASS methodology, it was determined that in average, 23% of the water used for irrigation
recharge the aquifer.
Two types of simulation were performed. First, a land use change from bare soil to an urbanized
area in the surroundings of the Albufera. The simulations showed a small sensitivity from the system
to this land use change, mainly because the main recharge to the aquifer comes from the agricultural
activity in upgradient lands.
Afterwards, the MODFLOW model was linked with WEAP software to obtain an integrated
groundwatersurface water decision support system. Due to the limitations of the study, only a steady
state model could be developed. However, since WEAP simulates monthly stress periods, it was
possible to link MODFLOW to WEAP and obtain seasonal variations and projections for the climate
change scenarios HADCm3-A1, HADCm3-A2 and HADCm3-B1.
This work was framed as a methodological basis for the generation of an integrated DSS that
consider surface and groundwater management. Through the input of more information and the
creation of a robust database, it will be possible to develop more accurate estimations and improve
the information access during the decision-making process of water resource management in Huaura
catchment

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