Hydrological sciences in hyperarid regions: a bibliometric analysis of scientific knowledge and thematic trends in the Atacama Desert

Pocco V.; Urbina E.; Pino-Vargas E.; Espinoza-Molina J.; Acosta-Caipa K.; Alvarado-Kong D. · Frontiers in Water (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/frwa.2026.1870132

Resumen

In contemporary science, bibliometric analysis has become a fundamental tool to quantify, map, and interpret the development and structure of research across disciplines. In the context of increasing water scarcity, it becomes even more critical to identify and follow the most impactful and innovative research trends worldwide. For these reasons, the present study conducts a bibliometric analysis of hydrological and hydrogeological research in the Atacama Desert over the past 35 years based on a multi-database approach integrating data from Scopus, Web of Science and Dimensions database. The objective of this study is to delineate the intellectual landscape of hydrological studies through quantitative indicators, citation networks, and thematic clustering analyses of hydrological knowledge in this hyper-arid environment. The bibliometric analysis reveals a progressive rise in hydrological research within the Atacama Desert, with publication activity reaching its highest levels between 2018 and 2023. While Chile accounts for the largest share of publications, countries such as the United States, Spain, Germany, and Peru also contribute to the scientific output in this field. In addition, the most recurrent research focus corresponds to groundwater resources and recharge processes, reflecting the central role of subsurface water studies in this hyper-arid environment. In this sense, the findings contribute to strengthening water management strategies and guiding scientific priorities in one of the most water-scarce regions on Earth. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann