Water–rock interactions in a karst aquifer located in southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Water availability is fundamental for regional socioeconomic development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions with recurrent periods of drought. Such is the case of the southwest region of Tamaulipas, whose only viable source of water is the Tula-Bustamante aquifer. This study aims to model groundwater evolution in the area, defining water-rock interaction processes, using nonparametric statistical tools and hydrogeochemical analysis. Two main processes that give rise to different hydrogeological units were identified: one characterized by water flow through fractured media (with limestone, dolomite and gypsum dissolution), and the other by aquitard features, such as the dissolution of shales, sandstones, and clays. Moreover, recharge, transit, and discharge processes were identified using groundwater flow systems theory, providing basic information for the design of an integrated water resources management system in the study area.

Degradation Characteristics and Mechanism of Black Sandy Dolostone Subjected to Wetting–Drying Cycles

“…The water-rock interaction has a significant time effect on the mechanical parameters of rocks, and its effect varies for different rocks [21][22][23]. It was found that an aqueous environment with higher OH − concentration causes a significant increase in the growth rate of quartz fracture [24,25]. The weathering and dissolution of many mudstone minerals are caused by the reaction of pyrite with acids in the environment during oxidation [26][27][28].…”