Assessment of the hydrological status of Doñana dune ponds: a natural World Heritage Site under threat

Groundwater discharge sustains the hydroperiod of Doñana dune ponds, contributing up to 80% of their total water inflows. However, some ponds now act as recharge systems due to declining piezometric levels from nearby groundwater extraction for urban use. Researchers quantified these fluxes using daily hydrological balances and classified the ponds accordingly. The study highlights the vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's hydrology to anthropogenic pressures, particularly in coastal resorts adjacent to Doñana National Park.

Fernández-Ayuso, A., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M., & Benavente, J. (2018). Assessment of the hydrological status of Doñana dune ponds: a natural World Heritage Site under threat. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 63(15-16), 2048–2059. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2018.1560449