Groundwater resources of Ribeira Fajã basin, island of São Nicolau, Cape Verde, West Africa

Fact Sheet 2010-3071
Prepared in cooperation with the Millennium Challenge Corporation
By: , and 

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Abstract

Groundwater resources in Cape Verde provide water for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. These resources are limited and susceptible to contamination. Additional groundwater resources are needed for continued agricultural development, particularly during times of drought, but increased use and (or) climatic change may have adverse effects on the quantity and quality of freshwater available. In volcanic island aquifers such as those of Cape Verde, a lens of fresh groundwater typically ?floats? upon a layer of brackish water at the freshwater/saltwater boundary, and increased pumping may cause salt water intrusion or other contamination. A recent U.S. Geological Survey study assessed baseline groundwater conditions in watersheds on three islands of Cape Verde to provide the scientific basis for sustainably developing water resources and minimizing future groundwater depletion and contamination.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Groundwater resources of Ribeira Fajã basin, island of São Nicolau, Cape Verde, West Africa
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2010-3071
DOI 10.3133/fs20103071
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
Description 3 p.; PDF do Relatório em Português (PDF of Report in Portuguese)
Country Cape Verde
Other Geospatial Island of São Nicolau, Ribeira Fajã Basin
Projection Cabo Verde National Grid Projection
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details