An example of a 3D Discrete Fracture Network Model in a Karst Aquifer. (Sierra de las Nieves, Betic Cordillera, Spain)

The influence of geological structure on the endokarst and on the exokarst can be studied through the relationship between the discontinuities (faults, joints, fractures and foliations) and the speleological study of the underground caves. The present thesis, proposes a methodology that can be applied to all those geological areas where these types of formations are present. The study area that has been taken into consideration is the karst of the Sierra de las Nieves park, in the province of Malaga (Spain), an example of high relief karst, the biggest in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The main objective of this work is the implementation of a 3D fracture model, with the support of the FracMan software, which can allow to characterize, determine, and quantify the conditions that cause the field of paleoefforts and current efforts in the development of the karst. Information of superficial discontinuities were used, which allowed the realization of the 3D fracture model through the analysis of statistical data about length, distribution and intensity, which was subsequently validated both at a statistical and hydrogeological level. Thanks to the results obtained, the knowledge of the karst system increases positively, considering that speleological research is a slow and expensive process. This will allow to improve the conceptual models that give a new approach to the treatment of diversity and the problem that emerges in the management of water and hydrogeological resources. With regard to the environmental aspect, the karst systems, in particular the cavities and galleries networks that can host the endokarst and exokarst formations, forming biospeleological reserves, are a natural and cultural heritage for the society that must be preserved. The proposed study addresses key aspects for the socio-economic development of countries that have to cope with necessities related to the management of water resources. This work aims to examine, according to the relationship between the spatial arrangement of the karst and the tectonic system, the spatial position of a certain number of water resources that can directly or indirectly influence the quality of life of the population. This indirect form of study translates into a better understanding of the karstic systems, known as very complex.