Unraveling the Hydrological Behavior of a Coastal Pond in Doñana National Park (Southwest Spain)

Groundwater pumping near a coastal resort threatens the hydrological stability of Doñana National Park’s Santa Olalla pond, despite no immediate visible damage. Advanced time-series analysis—including wavelet techniques and seasonal decomposition—revealed hidden, seasonally driven interactions between surface water and groundwater, challenging previous conceptual models. These methods, unprecedented in such ecosystems, highlighted critical groundwater inputs essential for maintaining the pond’s permanent hydroperiod. The study underscores the need for vigilant monitoring to preserve this fragile system amid rising coastal development pressures.

Fernández‐Ayuso, A., Aguilera, H., Guardiola‐Albert, C., Rodríguez‐Rodríguez, M., Heredia, J., & Naranjo‐Fernández, N. (2019). Unraveling the Hydrological Behavior of a Coastal Pond in Doñana National Park (Southwest Spain). Groundwater, 57(6), 895–906. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12906