Paleohydrogeology of the Karstic System of Fuentetoba Spring (Soria, Spain): An Interdisciplinary Approach

As a preliminary phase in the conservation and sustainable management of karst system Fuentetoba, Soria, Spain, an interdisciplinary study was carried out to determine its hydrogeological evolution. The history this aquifer began during late Miocene, where discharges were driven by paleo-emergences moor, associated conduits developed under phreatic (or vadose) conditions—for example, upper syngenetic galleries main known cave (Majada del Cura cave). Later on, nearby karstic massifs, general flattening relief, occurred Quaternary Period, which base level had been decline. flow then derived modified towards Fuentetoba spring from earliest stages through aforementioned cave. observations made indicate existence unique type organization. hypogean network is result excavation same water that has entrenching abandoning vadose regimen toward free regimen. dating tuffaceous buildings, with emergences, indicates since almost Middle Pleistocene, lines have converged spring, inducing high grade karstification saturated zone syncline basin. Moreover, major drainage conduit dissolution. During Upper essential component groundwater source Mazos River spring. Tufa paleogour datings caves undergone different climatic latest and, therefore, feeding recharge processes. These tufas paleogours are interrelated as well, they warm most recent Quaternary, according regional context, when there less natural recharge. simulation springs’ enabled approximate quantification variation aquifer’s hydraulic balance stages. For last glaciation, impacted snowmelt increased 160%.