Characterization of precipitation and recharge in the peripheral aquifer of the Salar de Atacama

To reduce uncertainty in the identification of recharge areas Peripheral Aquifer Salar de Atacama (SdA), a few studies have investigated isotopic characteristics and moisture sources precipitation SdA basin. In present study, seasonal cycle meteorological parameters relationships this with sea surface temperature anomalies are shown, humidity identified, types clouds producing defined. Finally, compositions precipitation, water groundwater basin Altiplano-Puna Plateau basins analysed to identify area recharging northern, eastern southern subbasins SdA. summer, when highest temperature, relative values year recorded, is due deep convection. The trajectories arriving air masses can be classified into three groups: from North Atlantic Ocean across Amazon basin, South La Plata River Gran Chaco, Pacific Ocean. winter, lower, come Winter more depleted heavy isotopes than summer precipitation. analysis shows that occurs by diffuse infiltration concentrated water, both within hydrographic meteoric source waters isotopically lighter found side SdA, so there no significant quantity transfer peripheral aquifers outside