Contribution to knowledge of groundwater hydrology of the Jandaíra aquifer in the region of Baraúna – RN

Abstract

The Jandaíra aquifer, which occurs in the Apodi Plateau area, between the States of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, where the study area is located, is an important source of water for the irrigation of extensive fruit growing areas in the Baráuna region, RN. Due to its karst nature, hydrogeology is naturally quite complex. The knowledge of groundwater hydrology is fundamental for understanding the hydraulics of these aquifers. Which may lead to a more effective management, aiming at its preservation. In this sense, geological, geophysical and hydrogeological studies were developed, which showed that karstification decreases with depth. In the studied area the karsification reached up to about 30 meters. The work also showed that the position of the water level varies according to the rainfall regime.In times of great droughts, such as the last six years, the levels deepen greatly and most of the wells have reduced productivity, to the point that it is not possible to use them for irrigation, since the yield of these wells depend on the network of superficial karstification.

Keywords

• Aquífero Jandaíra. Barauna. Mizu. Chapada do Apodi. Aquífero cárstico