Significance of river infiltration to the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region: a case study of two alluvial aquifers in Haiti

Abstract Mountain block recharge (MBR) mechanisms are an important component of the water budget for many alluvial aquifers worldwide. The MBR dynamics complex, difficult to constrain, and quantification is highly uncertain. These challenges magnified in data-scarce study areas, including Cul-de-Sac Leogane plains, two Haiti’s largest aquifers, which flanked by Massif de la Selle mountain block. associated groundwater supplies regional metropolitan area Port-au-Prince (RMPP) it facing increasing pressure, requiring improved understanding aquifer system guide management protection. This report introduces investigates significance river infiltration from flows originating approach derive insight on included analysis broad datasets piezometry, isotopes, hydrochemistry, streamflow. findings indicate that a major source aquifers. Grise Blanche may account >80% aquifer, exhibiting temporal variation correlated climate events such as cycles El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillations. Momance Rouyone >50% aquifer. results direct attention carbonate system, where bulk estimated be four times greater than both not only RMPP with ~65% its supply karst springs, but streamflow also recharges balance supply.