Exploration, mapping and characterization of filtration galleries of the Pica Oasis, northern Chile: A contribution to the knowledge of the Pica aquifer

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dc.contributor.authorLictevout, Elisabeth
dc.contributor.authorAbellanosa, Carlos
dc.contributor.authorMaass, Constanza
dc.contributor.authorPerez, Nicolas
dc.contributor.authorYanez, Gonzalo
dc.contributor.authorVeronique, Leonardi
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-23T19:47:29Z
dc.date.available2025-01-23T19:47:29Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.description.abstractIn arid areas, the efficient management of scarce water resources is key for population survival and development. One of the oldest and greatest ancient water management system in drylands is the filtration gallery. Originated from ancient Persia, they were spread to other regions and cultures, and are found in the oasis of Pica, in the Atacama Desert. A filtration gallery consists of an almost horizontal tunnel dug underground until it reaches a water-bearing zone. It allows to tap and drains out groundwater, and thus a direct contact with groundwater table. With the objective to understand groundwater processes, preserve the water and geoheritage of one of the driest places on Earth and improve land-use planning, the present work explored and studied the filtration galleries, locally called socavones, of the oasis of Pica. Through direct exploration, topographical survey and geo-electrical prospection, 24 socavones were identified, mapped and their main physical features described, showing common traits with filtration galleries described worldwide, but also proper features highlighting their originality. The findings of the geological and hydrogeological studies of the socavones, complemented by physical and chemical analysis, allow to identify new groundwater recharge processes and, thus, to review and complete the hydrogeological model of the local aquifer of Pica. Most socavones are abandoned today, owing to physical and socioeconomic changes. Nevertheless, this study concludes that they can still have a role to play in the groundwater management of this arid area.
dc.fuente.origenWOS
dc.identifier.doi10.5027/andgeoV47n3-3272
dc.identifier.issn0718-7106
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.5027/andgeoV47n3-3272
dc.identifier.urihttps://repositorio.uc.cl/handle/11534/100385
dc.identifier.wosidWOS:000582790700003
dc.issue.numero3
dc.language.isoen
dc.pagina.final558
dc.pagina.inicio529
dc.revistaAndean geology
dc.rightsacceso restringido
dc.subjectFiltration gallery
dc.subjectArid area
dc.subjectGroundwater recharge
dc.subjectPica aquifer
dc.subjectWater and geoheritage
dc.subjectNorthern Chile
dc.subject.ods06 Clean Water and Sanitation
dc.subject.ods14 Life Below Water
dc.subject.ods03 Good Health and Well-being
dc.subject.odspa06 Agua limpia y saneamiento
dc.subject.odspa14 Vida submarina
dc.subject.odspa03 Salud y bienestar
dc.titleExploration, mapping and characterization of filtration galleries of the Pica Oasis, northern Chile: A contribution to the knowledge of the Pica aquifer
dc.typeartículo
dc.volumen47
sipa.indexWOS
sipa.trazabilidadWOS;2025-01-12
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