Al NO de Sierra Tejeda solo se pueden diferenciar dos unidades tectónicas alpujárrides, la de Almijara y, sobre ella, la de Robledal, simplificando divisiones previas. Datos hidrogeológicos avalan esta interpretación ya que apuntan a la posible conexión hidráulica entre dos áreas ocupadas por mármoles (sectores de Tejeda y Rodaderos) que previamente han sido consideradas como unidades tectónicas diferentes lo que lo hace improbable. En la unidad Robledal la presencia de gneises en la parte inferior de la secuencia litológica permite su correlación con otras unidades del grupo Guájares-Jubrique/ Los Reales (grupo superior de unidades del Complejo Alpujárride). Deformaciones extensionales se superponen al cabalgamiento de unidades, pero a las que no damos la enorme importancia atribuida en previos modelos, pues no permiten, al menos en esta área, la diferenciación de nuevas unidades tectónicas. Se muestran, además, nuevas fallas E-O situadas al N de Sierra Tejeda, que facilitaron el desplazamiento hacia el oeste de la Zona Interna Bética.

Abstract:The geomorphological characteristics and hydrogeological functioning of a geologically heterogeneous evaporitic karst plateau in Southern Spain were studied. Land surface information (LiDAR data) was used to analyze the shape and distribution of closed depressions. An artificial tracer test and monitoring of the natural responses of the main spring have allowed to infer the karstic development of the studied system. Three dyes were injected in selected swallow holes to trace the main groundwater flowpaths and to estimate the dimension of the conduit network. Discharge, electrical conductivity and temperature were monitored in the groundwater that drains the evaporitic plateau during an individual and intense recharge pulse. Tracing techniques were adapted to high salinity environments by using specific calibration standards (NaCl + dye). The hydrological connection detected between two of the swallow holes and the outlet, and the deduced orientation pattern for closed areas, would suggest that the karst evolution (internal and external) is related to fault orientation. The rapid tracer detection (16-20 h) and high estimated maximum flow velocities (125-192 m/h), together with the fast impulsional response of the controlled physicalchemical parameters in spring waters (~15-16 h) demonstrate the existence of quick flows under recharge conditions with well-defined system drainage, indicating a high degree of internal karstification (estimated master conduit diameter ~1.5 m). However, flooding of the depressions feeding swallow holes and analysis of the spring response times from natural and artificial tracers point to a restriction of the system´s drainage, most likely due to the constrained morphology of the karst conduits. This results in sustained recharge periods and delayed spring responses of some parameters, highlighting the relevant role of concentrated recharge in the hydrogeological behavior of the studied evaporitic karst. Gil-Márquez J.M., Barberá J.A., Mudarra M., Andreo B., Prieto-Mera J., Sánchez D., RizoDecelis L.D., Argamasilla M., Nieto J.M. and de la Torre B., 2017. Karst development of an evaporitic system and its hydrogeological implications inferred from GIS-based analysis and tracing techniques.

ResultsQuick flow variations in response to the main recharge events (from 1.2 to 3 8.3 m /s); about 3 days between the center of gravity of precipitation and the discharge peaks.Falls of up to 200 µS/cm in EC during each recharge event. The magnitude depending on the quantity and intensity of rainfall.Water temperature falls (up to 0.7 ºC) following main rainfall episodes, within a general seasonal pattern influenced by air temperature.When rainfalls were intense, EC and water T decreases were preceded by more mineralized and slightly warmer groundwater.The turbidity values shows quick rises during all recharge events, proportionally to the intensity of precipitation episodes.