Análisis espacial de la vulnerabilidad a la contaminación de las aguas subterráneas en la cuenca hidrográfica Cauto, Cuba, empleando K-medias e imágenes satelitales

Spatial analysis groundwater contamination of vulnerability in the Cauto watershed, Cuba, using K-means and satellite imagery

Abstract

The Cauto Basin is a watershed of national interest due to its large area and significant contributions of water resources in the eastern region of Cuba. It is one of the most polluted in the nation, and multiple projects are being developed there to promote responsible use of its resources and strengthen environmental education among its residents. To maximize the impact of these actions, it is necessary to deepen our understanding of the basin's inherent fragility. The objective of this research was to analyze the spatial variation in the intrinsic vulnerability to groundwater contamination. To achieve this objective, k-means clustering analysis was used on variables that reflect its geological, geomorphological, soil, and hydrogeological characteristics. The spatiotemporal variation of the vegetation index and soil salinity were also analyzed using Landsat satellite images. The results showed that only 11% of the basin is highly vulnerable to pollution, and that between 2000 and 2023, vegetation cover decreased and soil salinity increased in large areas, highlighting the need to continue developing strategies for the protection and comprehensive, sustainable management of its resources.
Keywords: Cauto watershed, groundwater vulnerability, K-means method, spectral indices.