The hydrography of San Luis Potosí is distinguished by its low amount of surface water due to the arid climate of the region. San Luis Potosí is located in a natural region of Mexico called the Mesa del Centro.
Most of this region is located about 2000 meters above sea level and has a dry climate.
Although in San Luis Potosí the climate is temperate due to the altitude of the place, little rain falls, so there are no extremely large lakes or rivers.
However, apart from groundwater, there are several rivers and lagoons that are part of the territory's geography.
You may also be interested in the relief of San Luis Potosí.
Rivers
When viewing a hydrographic map of the state, the most visible aspect is the set of rivers that are located in the south.
The Moctezuma River is one of the largest rivers and is located at the southern end of its territory. This river forms the border between San Luis Potosí and the state of Hidalgo.
The Moctezuma joins the Amajac River, which is also located in San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo.
Another border river is the Santa María river, which is part of the geographical line between San Luis Potosí and Guanajuato.
This joins the Gallinas river, the Valles river and the Tamasopo river, among others. The meeting point between the Gallinas and Santa María rivers is famous for the Tamul Waterfall, which is a very popular place for tourists and for people interested in water sports.
Lagoons
San Luis Potosí does not have large lakes, but there are a few renowned lagoons. In the south of the state is the Media Luna lagoon, which is a spring of fresh water.
Although it is considered a small lagoon, it is a popular spot for residents of the region in the summer.
Other renowned small lagoons are El Olivo and Cerro Pez in the east, and Santa Clara in the north.
Groundwater
Since most of the state is dry, underground aquifers are very important to the state's population.
The Mexican government has determined that there are 19 aquifers in the state that can provide about 79 million cubic meters of water.
In practical words, the country's geography institute predicts that more water is being recovered in aquifers than is used by the people of the state, which is why it is in a favorable position with respect to its water use.
San Luis Potosí will have to continue to manage its groundwater responsibly in the future in order to meet the needs of the people, as there is not much rain or large bodies of fresh water in the region.
In times of scarcity, their prey suffer from a very low water level compared to the maximum amount they can hold.
This may turn out to be a problem in the future if there are long periods of insufficient rainfall.
References
- Tell me. (2017). Territory of San Luis Potosí. Recovered from Cuentame.inegi.org.mx
- Goshorn, A. (January 3, 2016). The Rio Santa Maria and its Tributaries: SLP, Mexico. Recovered from pyranha.com
- Exploring Mexico. (2017). Geography of San Luis Potosí. Recovered from explorandomexico.com.mx
- Huerta, Josué. (2017). The Amazing Media Luna Lagoon in San Luis Potosí. Recovered from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
- National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). (2017). Hydrology of the State of San Luis Potosí. Recovered from paratodomexico.com