Groundwater models serve the function of predicting and analyzing aquifer behavior. They require input information, such as hydrogeological parameters like hydraulic conductivity and storage coefficient, which are used to calibrate the model, and elementary actions that include recharge and extracted volumes. There are cases in which it is insufficient to know the homogeneous recharge entering through the surface basin, referred to as traditional recharge, since, in many instances, the distribution is altered by changes in land use. For this reason, based on the geomorphological characteristics of the basin, weighting is proposed for sites with greater recharge capacity. The present work shows a solution to the recharge distribution using the potential groundwater recharge (PGR) map, which is formed by weighting spatially distributed information: (i) drainage, (ii) precipitation, (iii) land use, (iv) geological faults, (v) soil type, (vi) slope, and (vii) hydrogeology. A comparison is made between groundwater modeling using traditional recharge and PGR recharge. It is noted that the modeling perform similarly for both recharges, and the errors do not exceed 5% absolute error, which validates the model’s reliability. This manuscript demonstrates how to model and calibrate groundwater in aquifers with scarce information and variable recharge, making it reproducible.
Precipitation is influential in determining runoff at different scales of analysis, whether in minutes, hours, or days. This paper proposes the use of a multisite multivariate model of precipitation at a daily scale. Stochastic models allow the generation of maximum precipitation and its association with different return periods. The modeling is carried out in three phases. The first is the estimation of precipitation occurrence by using a two-state multivariate Markov model to calculate the non-rainfall periods. Once the rainfall periods of various storms have been identified, the amount of precipitation is estimated through a process of normalization, standardization of the series, acquisition of multivariate parameters, and generation of synthetic series. In comparison, the analysis applies probability density functions that require fewer data and, consequently, represent greater certainty. The maximum values of surface runoff show consistency for different observed return periods, therefore, a more reliable estimation of maximum surface runoff. Our approach enhances the use of stochastic models for generating synthetic series that preserve spatial and temporal variability at daily, monthly, annual, and extreme values. Moreover, the number of parameters reduces in comparison to other stochastic weather generators.
Water quality monitoring serves diverse purposes, such as assessing water safety for drinking or agriculture. However, traditional methods are often time-consuming and costly. Additionally, assessing water quality on demand is not always feasible, and parameter variations are not consistently documented. With the advent of affordable equipment capable of efficient performance with minimal resources, remote monitoring sans physical access to the environment has become viable. This has led to reduced inspection and control costs. Understanding the applications, characteristics, and limitations of these devices is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Rainwater quality remains understudied in many areas, leaving its physical, chemical, and microbiological conditions unknown. These conditions are influenced by various atmospheric factors, including both human and natural activities. This research paper develops monitoring stations employing low-cost technology to assess rainwater quality in Morelia City. A prototype was developed based on low-cost technology implementation. Additionally, basic parameters measured include pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and temperature, utilizing an Arduino microcontroller for data processing. Data collected from these stations are transmitted via a Wi-Fi communication module to a web platform, enabling real-time visualization of measurements both spatially and temporally. Utilizing such a device offers several advantages compared to standard methods of assessing rainwater quality. It enables continuous measurements and provides a record of how rainwater quality is affected over time by human and natural activities.
Surface hydrologic modeling becomes a problem when insufficient spatial and temporal information is available. It is common to have useful modeling periods of less than 15 years. The purpose of this work is to develop a methodology that allows the selection of meteorological and hydrometric stations that are suitable for modeling when information is scarce in the area. Based on the scarcity of data, a series of statistical tests are proposed to eliminate stations according to a decision-making process. Although the number of stations decreases drastically, the information used is reliable and of adequate quality, ensuring less uncertainty in the surface simulation models. Individual basin modeling can be carried out considering the poor data. The transfer of parameters can be applied through the nesting of basins to have information distributed over an extensive area. Therefore, temporally and spatially extended modeling can be achieved with information that preserves statistical parameters over time. If data management and validation is performed, the modeled watersheds are well represented; if this is not done, only 26% to 50% of the runoff is represented.
The study of urban floods is increasingly crucial due to their growing frequency and impact on densely populated areas, often characterized by inadequate drainage and located in flood-prone zones. The consequences extend beyond physical damage, significantly affecting economies and livelihoods, necessitating substantial economic resources for recovery and infrastructure rebuilding. Urban planning now must integrate flood risk management, emphasizing not only infrastructural resilience but also comprehensive policies that address environmental and social vulnerabilities to better prepare and protect urban environments against future flood risks. This study addresses the critical issue of urban flood vulnerability through a focused analysis of Morelia, a city known for its susceptibility to flooding due to its geographical and hydrological characteristics and accelerated urban growth. Employing a multifaceted approach that integrates hydrological, socio-economic, and land use data within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework, the research develops a Spatial Flood Vulnerability Index (SFVI). This index is meticulously applied at the urban block level, offering a precise mapping of flood risks across the city. By correlating the SFVI results with historical flood data, the study identifies the most vulnerable areas in Morelia, which are primarily impacted due to their proximity to water bodies, economic density, and infrastructural settings. The methodology not only highlights immediate flood risks but also aids in strategic urban planning to enhance resilience against future flooding events. This paper contributes a novel approach to flood risk assessment, providing a replicable model for similarly affected cities worldwide, aiming to balance structural measures with strategic planning tailored to local needs.