Untitled DocumentEvaluating changes in spring hydrology as indicators of drought in the Middle Verde Valley
Macro Theme Area:
River Systems [Project ID: R38]
PI:
Abe Springer
CO-PI(s):
Steve Rice
Basin focus:
Regional SW
Specific area in
basin /
field sites:
Verde Watershed
Summary/Goals: This project will bring existing, extensive discipline specific technical expertise to bear on the interdisciplinary objective of developing future water supply and drought management and planning scenarios for the Upper Verde.
Activities and outcomes during past year:
In the summer and fall of 2005, 160 springs in the Middle Verde River waterhsed were inventoried. Spring discharge, field water quality parameters, and geomorphology were described and compared to an inventory of these springs conducted in 2002. These two separate inventories represented extreme wet and dry climatic conditions. Results will be used to help develop hydrological drought indicators and triggers.
Plans for the upcoming year:
Develop hydrological drought triggers and indicators for springs, streams, and wells in the Middle Verde River watershed of Arizona. Indicators and triggers will be based on monitoring of spring discharge, stream discharge, and water levels in wells. Statistical analyses will be conducted to determine appropriate drought triggers.
