Modelo hidrogeológico conceitual da região de Brumadinho, na região entre as Serras do Curral e de Três Irmãos

Abstract

The Iron Quadrangle (Quadrilátero Ferrífero) represents a Brazilian mineral province, with huge iron and gold deposits. Furthermore, the region homes very important aquifers to water supply for Belo Horizonte region, capital city of Minas Gerais State. This paper aimed to synthetize hydrogeological data of the Iron Quadrangle, specially of Brumadinho municipality region, compiled of Brazilian environmental and water resources agencies, including precipitation, fluviometric and pumping wells, that helped to estimated data of local aquifers, such as hydrodynamic parameters and groundwater recharge. That data was consolidated as a conceptual hydrogeological model, that aim better understand local groundwater flow conditions and the main characteristics of local aquifers. The most important local aquifers are Cauê, Itabiritic of double porosity (granular and fissured), Crystalline fissured aquifer, and Grandarela karstic aquifer. The most pumped aquifer is Cauê, followed by Crystalline and Gandarela. Moreover, Cauê showed the most relevant hydraulic conductivity. The highest recharges were observed in Crystalline aquifer, and the lowest in Gandarela, that has some mud horizons. Finally, a potentiometric map was constructed and the results showed that Curral and Três Irmãos ridges represents watershed, that divide the groundwater flux. The main groundwater flux flows from the top of the ridges to south, directly to Casa Branca and Paraopeba rivers. The inverse occurs in the north area, with groundwater flowing to north.