3 research outputs found
In situ measurement of hydraulic conductivity of mountain soils: a case study in Serra da Estrela mountain (Central Portugal)
Understanding the role of the vadose zone is essential to accurately assess hydrogeological systems
and the respective groundwater resources. The study area (Manteigas – Nave de Santo António – Torre
sector, Serra da Estrela Mountain, Central Portugal) presents specific geological, morphotectonical
and climatic characteristics with significant influence on the hydrogeologic regime. The vadose zone has particular features that contribute to control both the quantity and the quality of the
groundwater resources. In situ hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out in A and H soil horizons,
by means of the constant head permeameter (Guelph permeameter) method. The mean value of the
field saturated hydraulic conductivity is high (around 6 cm/h) and is typical of coarse textured soils.
Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated using the Gardner mathematical model
Vadose zone characterisation of a hydrogeologic system in a mountain region: Serra da Estrela case study (Central Portugal)
Understanding the role of the vadose zone is essential to accurately assess hydrogeological
systems and their respective groundwater resources. The study area (Manteigas – Nave de Santo
António – Torre sector, Serra da Estrela Mountain, Central Portugal), presents specific geological,
morphotectonic and climatic characteristics which influence the hydrogeological regime. The vadose
zone has particular features that contribute to control both the quantity and the quality of the groundwater
resources. The regional characterisation of this zone was carried out in terms of the structure, the
soil, including the broad physical, chemical and mineralogical features and the soil hydraulics. The study
included field work focused on geological and pedological features, soil permeability field tests, laboratory
tests (including soil water retention at different pressure heads and clay mineralogy) and mathematical
modelling. Water retention data were used to derive the parameters of van Genuchten’s water
retention curve. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated using the Gardner mathematica