Data and insights to advance characterization of groundwater resources in the Plaine des Gonaïves, Haiti | Données et connaissances pour l’amélioration de la caractérisation des ressources en eaux souterraines de la Plaine des Gonaïves, Haïti Datos y perspectivas para avanzar en la caracterización de los recursos hídricos subterráneos en la llanura de Gonaïves (Haití) 推进海地 Plaine des Gonaïves 地下水资源特征的数据和见解 Dados e percepções para avançar na caracterização dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos na Planície de Gonaïves, Haiti
2022
Adamson, James K. | Miner, Wm Javan | Bernasconi, Jonas L.
The Plaine des Gonaïves houses a regionally significant yet data-scarce coastal aquifer in one of the driest regions of Haiti. It is the primary source of water for the region, including Haiti’s third largest city, Gonaïves. Pressure on groundwater resources will be compounded as municipal water services modernize and energy infrastructure enables the resurgence of commercial agriculture. In anticipation of increased stress and greater impacts, this study was undertaken (including data discovery, reconnaissance, and analysis) to gain insights and to advance understanding of the groundwater resources. The alluvial aquifer covers >115 km², exceeds 100 m thickness, and supports pumping yields as high as 532 m³/h. The heterogeneous multilayer aquifer exhibits hydraulic conductivities that range by an order of magnitude, influencing groundwater flow, residence times, and chemistry. Significant recharge occurs in the central and upgradient portions of the plain; river infiltration appears to be a more significant recharge source than direct infiltration. In the downgradient portion of the plain, confined aquifer pressure increases and discharge areas include the Quinte River, springs, wetlands, ditches and canals. Underlying the alluvium, discontinuous groundwater in bedrock with structural influence may mix with the alluvial aquifer, affecting isotopic composition and water chemistry. Increased abstraction, climate change, and intensification of agriculture and urban development could have consequential impacts on water quantity, water quality and ecosystems. The results, insights, and supporting datasets are a baseline to guide planning and to advance a hydrogeological conceptual model that supports sustainable and informed groundwater management.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library