Ground Water of the Desert Area in Northern Chile

Abstract

This paper describes a brief outline of ground-water resources in the desert area in the northern part of Chile.
In Pampa Lirima, 4, 000 meters above sea level, the aquifer is under flowing artesian condition, and its thickness is about twenty meters.
In Pre-Andes area, 1, 500-,2, 700 meters above sea level, hot springs are the principal sources of drinking and irrigation for inhabitants.
In Pampa del Tamarugal, the artesian water, replenished with the rive water in the summer, is pumped up for the water supply and mining.
Most of ground water is rich in sodium and salfate, which are derived principally from the Andes volcanos.