Untitled DocumentClimate change and aquifer recharge: Developing a seasonal groundwater model for the San Pedro Basin, Arizona
Macro Theme Area:
Basin Scale Water Balance [Project ID: B28]
PI:
James Hogan
CO-PI(s):
N/A
Basin focus:
San Pedro
Specific area in
basin /
field sites:
N/A
Summary/Goals: Most groundwater models apply static annual rates for groundwater recharge, are poorly parameterized into different recharge pathways (mountain front, ephemeral channel, diffuse or riparian aquifer recharge), and recharge rates are typically calibrated using inverse methods. The objective of this research is first to synthesize our understanding of recharge processes in the San Pedro Basin, specifically by not limited to those developed by SAHRA through geochemical methods. Second we will incorporate this understanding to parameterize and calibrate a seasonal groundwater model for the San Pedro that represents the temporal and spatial variability of recharge.
Activities and outcomes during past year:
x
Plans for the upcoming year:
A seasonal groundwater model, that is to say a model that operates on a seasonal time-step with recharge seasonality properly parameterized, is a needed first step to address the impact of climate change scenarios on groundwater resources. This objective will be achieved through calibration using existing isotopic datasets and a newly developed GIS based tool Arc-Recharge (H. Ajami, manuscript in preparation, 2007). The model outputs will be used to develop improved empirical equations relating the seasonal recharge rates to the physical characteristics of the basin and the temporal variation of precipitation regimes, allowing for incorporation of climate change scenario in dynamic simulation models used for decision support. Products will include: synthesis paper on recharge, climate and the basin hydrology of the San Pedro, parameterize and calibrated seasonal groundwater model using calibrated using isotopic datasets for seasonality and amount of recharge implemented, and develop empirical equations that can be used to estimate seasonal recharge based on precipitation data and physical basin characteristics.
