MARCOS MACCHIOLI
An Argentinian Critical Zone Scientist in Chile studying what keep us alive:
The Hydro(geo)logical water cycle
Welcome!
About me
My passion for geology began when I threw a rock into a water puddle and watched the waves ripple outward. That moment sparked my curiosity about the dynamic interaction between water, rocks, and chemistry—an interest that has grown into a lifelong journey.
Today, my research focuses on the unique geology and hydrology of Chile, where I’ve had the privilege of working on projects funded by ANID (Fondecyt). My work explores how water and minerals interact, particularly in rivers and streams in semiarid mountains (although forested catchments are also one of my interest!), and the hydrological behavior of these catchments. For this reason, I define myself as a tracer hydrologist, with a background on basement rocks.
Outside of geology, I’m a choir tenor, and music is my artistic passion. The harmony I find in music complements my scientific pursuits, offering a creative balance to my work. Would you like to check some performances out? Follow this link!
Throughout my career, I’ve published several academic papers and continue to explore the deep connections between geology, chemistry, and hydrology. I invite you to explore my research and reach out via email or social media for any questions or collaborations.
My CV
EDUCATION:
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2019 - Ph. D. in Geologic Sciencies, National University of Córdoba, Argentina
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2015 - Bachelor's degree in Geology, National University of La Plata, Argentina
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2014 - Bachelor's degree in Geochemistry, National University of La Plata, Argentina
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES:
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2025: Anillo ATE220029 Project (ANID). Postdoctoral Researcher. University of Chile. Main Researcher: Dra. Linda Daniele. Chile
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2022 - 2025: Senior Postdoctoral Reasercher. Reseach and Development National Agency and Univesity of Chile. Chile
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2022: Postdoctoral fellow. National Center of Scientific Research & Technological Transfer (CRILAR - CONICET), La Rioja. Argentina
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2021: Postdoctoral internship. Dipartamento di Scienza e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI). Università Degli Studi Firenze. Main Reasercher: Dr. Daniele Penna. Italia
H-index: 9
My Publications
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Macchioli Grande, M., Uran, G., Larrovere, M., Echegoyen, C., Poca, M. Streamflow spatio-temporal variability of water stable isotopes and hydrochemical properties in a semiarid mountain catchment in northwestern Argentina. Under review in Journal of South American Earth Sciences.
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Kaffas, K., Murgia, I., Menapace, A., Macchioli Grande, M., Verdone, M., Dani, A., Manca di Villahermosa, F.S., Preti, F., Segura, C., C., Massari, C., Klaus, J., Borga, M., Penna., D. (2025). Controls on preferential flow and its role on streamflow generation in a Mediterranean forested catchment. Journal of Hydrology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133469
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Macchioli Grande, M., Soto Maas, A., Pfeiffer, M., Covarrubias, J.I., Peña-Echeverría, A., Perez-Fodich, A. (2025). Solute generation and transport in semiarid mountain catchments of the Central Chilean Andes. Earth Systems and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-025-00642-x
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Macchioli Grande, M., Kaffas, K., Verdone, M., Borga, M., Cocozza, C., Dani, A., Errico, A., Fabiani, G., Gourdol, L., Klaus, J., Manca di Villahermosa, F., Massari, C., Murgia, I., Pfister, L., Preti, F., Tailliez, C., Trucchi, P., Zuecco, G., Penna, D. (2024). Seasonal meteorological forcing controls runoff generation in a Mediterranean forested mountain catchment. Journal of Hydrology, 131642, doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.131642
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Gonzalez-Cariqueo, J., Pfeiffer, M., Peña, M., Macchioli Grande, M., Pérez-Fodich, A. (2024). Strontium Isotopic Composition of the Mesozoic Sedimentary Formations of the Southern Central Andes (33°–34°S) and its Paleogeographic Implications. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 142, 104984, doi: 10.1016/j.jsames.2024.104984
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Uran, G., Larrovere, M., Pasquini, A., Macchioli Grande, M. (2023). Contrasting fluoride contents in mountain rivers of the Andean foreland of Argentina: the influence of A-type peraluminous granites. International Journal of Earth Sciences, doi: 10.1007/s00531-023- 02332-3.
FULL LIST OF PUBLICATIONS HERE
Field Campaigns & Seminars
In April, I began to perform a bi-monthly sampling of gases from the geothermal plant of Cerro Pabellón (Enel) as a member of the Center of Excellence in Geothermics of the Andes (CEGA-University of chile). This plant provides energy for Chilean people throughout the country.
Our recent research concerning the impact of human activity on water resources was presented at the inaugural Chilean Hydrology Congress. This forum allowed for a productive exchange of thoughts and experiences with fellow researchers and industry representatives, as the study aims to elucidate the effects of human actions on the environment.
Great news! During the last week on March I participated in a field campaign at the altoandean La Isla Salt flat, at circa 4000 msnm, with Dr. Matías Taucare, in a collaboration with the Center of Mathematical Modelling (University of Chile) and Eramet, to study the geochemical composition of the spring and groundwaters. I lerned a lot about this rare and extreme environments!
I joined MSc Alfonso Mohor from the Geology Department, in the framwork of the Anillo Project ATE220029 (ANID), in a fieldtrip in the Island of Rapa Nui, to perform sample of groundwater, with the aim of understanding the circulation of groundwater within the volcanic rocks that form the island.
