3 Geomorphological, Hydrologic, and Geothermal investigations of basin aquifers in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico

The session will explore BCS basins, focusing on groundwater storage, evaporation, runoff and transport mechanisms, featuring experts on thermal and shallow groundwater interactions, soil mapping for hydrological planning, geomorphology, and human impacts on water balance.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LMH, Isla Carmen

Sustainable Hydraulic Channeling With Smart Monitoring For Aquifer Recharge In Urban Streams Of Arid Baja California Sur

Paper number: 3-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:20 AM – 9:35 AM

Authors

Abstract

Baja California Sur is experiencing very severe water shortage, and through the management of urban streams, the recharge of the aquifer is done annually by 180 mm of precipitation. Conventional concrete channeling systems disrupt the natural infiltration and decrease the chances of ground water replacement. We are showing a novel hybrid channeling design of El Mezquitito urban stream in La Paz that maintains the natural streambed in the maximum possible measure of infiltration and offers lateral concrete lining to the channel to ensure structural stability and protection against floods. 

 

Our approach will combine three features (1) optimized hydrogeological design with trapezoidal cross-section that allows keeping the flow velocities subcritical; (2) intelligent monitoring devices with high-precision sensors and solar energy adjusted to extreme aridity and hydrologic variability; and (3) two-dimensional numerical modeling based on HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS calibrated with field data. Hydraulic calculations indicate that the system sustains extreme event (450 m3/s) capacity and estimated infiltration of 216 m3/day/100 linear meters, 73 percent infiltration compared to 55-65 percent in other countries. These smart measurement make the initial quantitative runoff data in Baja California Sur streams available, and therefore, water management is possible on the basis of evidence. The natural streambed that has been preserved enables the recharge of aquifer to be extensive during cyclone seasons (July-October) thereby preserving structural flood control characteristics. Economic evaluation at the preliminary stage indicates that the instrumentation costs (about 3 percent of civil works) are reasonable considering the benefits gained over a long period. 

 

The method creates a paradigm of sustainable stream urban management in arid areas, combining green-grey infrastructure with a high level of monitoring systems. The approach has a high potential of being scaled to other urban streams across Baja California Sur and other arid areas across the world to enhance water security, and climate change mitigation.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-411014

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