Author(s): Job Noel; Kleveer Espino; Xavier Sanchez; Maria G. Castrellon Romero; Melisabel Munoz; Jose Fabrega

Linked Author(s): José Fábrega

Keywords: Panama; Water table; Groundwater; Precipitation

Abstract: The variations of the hydrological cycle in the groundwater recharge mechanisms, and the relationships between precipitation and variations in the water table are little studied in tropical countries such as Panama. In recent decades, during the dry season, regions of the country have faced droughts and supply problems mainly due to anthropogenic alterations and the effects of climate change. Linked to this, the understanding of the relationships that exist between precipitation and the possible groundwater recharges are not defined, which causes that in many regions of the country there is an overexploitation of groundwater, affecting its quality and quantity. This research aims to understand the interactions that occur in a sub-basin of the Panamanian Central Pacific between precipitation and fluctuations in groundwater levels. Precipitation data and groundwater level measurements were used to analyze and understand the relationships between these variables. Preliminary results indicate that there is a direct relationship between precipitation and fluctuations in groundwater levels, together with the type of soil that predominates in the observation well. Through this research, we seek to raise awareness of the importance of conserving land use and generate information that has a positive impact on land use policies to guarantee the sustainable use of water resources in the region.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC252171192022311

Year: 2022