Origin and quantification of discharge from the Charco del Moro spring based on the analysis of gauging stations records (Guadiaro River, Malaga and Cadiz)

The Charco del Moro spring is located in the streambed of the Guadiaro River, at the southern end of the Buitreras Gorge. Due to its location, it is extremely difficult to measure its flow, especially during periods of flooding. In this work, the flow records at the gauging stations of the Guadiaro and Hozgarganta rivers have been analyzed and the flows diverted from the river and those infiltrated in the sinkholes of the streambed have been calculated to estimate the average discharge of the spring and the origin of its waters. Despite the uncertainty of the results, an average flow rate close to 4 m(3)/s has been calculated, a figure significantly higher than that considered to date. To justify this flow it must be assumed that the contributions come mainly from the Jurassic limestones of the southern part of the Sierra de Libar and the Sierra del Endrinal, which would imply a recharge zone with a surface area close to 83 km(2).