COMPARISION OF THE GENERAL HYDROGEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE KARST WATER BODIES OF HUNGARY AND ECUADOR

Abstract

Karst systems are highly vulnerable groundwater bodies due to the high rate of infiltration and fast travel times. In fact, the delimitation, protection and sustainable exploitation of karstic aquifers are matters of research around the world. This article presents an extended description of geographical location, geological features, geodynamic evolution, and geometric distribution of the karst aquifer systems of Ecuador and Hungary. Hungarian karst water bodies, which are widely utilized for water supply, are well known from a hydro-geological perspective compared to those of Ecuador, a country that makes less use of groundwater. In conclusion, the human necessities generated by the geographical location of the living place determine the investment of local governments in research concerning their natural resources as well as the ways for their utilization, in order to improve the quality of life and economy of their territories.