Review: Application of hydrogeological models coupled with agent-based models to address sustainable groundwater management in Latin America

Abstract

Agent-based models (ABMs) have long been applied in economics and social science research. The combination or coupling of these models with those of natural systems is a more recent application, and their use in conjunction with groundwater flow and transport models can be considered an innovative way to take advantage of their potential. In the Latin American region, sustainable management of groundwater resources can still be considered understudied. Among other characteristics, the existence of large transboundary aquifers in the region adds a further complication for addressing the sustainability of groundwater resource use. In this type of system, the impacts of joint regulations for utilization by different countries, the diversity of socioeconomic drivers and the conservation interests of each group of users might be consistently represented and explored through flow models coupled with ABMs. This review of the scientific literature aims to compile up-to-date information regarding the application of hydrogeological models coupled with agent-based models, focusing on their contributions to the sustainable management of groundwater resources and analyzing their potential for the Latin American region.