Abstract
Low flows of the Ilmenau River (1434 km2) in northwest Germany have decreased by about 25% over the last 50 years. In the same period, moderate climate changes have taken place and annual groundwater abstractions for sprinkler irrigation have increased by up to 50 hm3 (million m3), with a strong variation due to the respective prevailing weather conditions. Time-series analyses with multiple regression analysis allow detecting and quantifying different influences on low flows. It is also shown that farmers allocate irrigation water volumes carefully according to seasonal precipitation and temperatures. Decline of groundwater levels in summer and the low flow situation are aggravated by the cumulative effect of higher irrigation in drier years. Groundwater recharge and recovery of the water table have been observed subsequently during the winter season.
Highlights
IntroductionIn spite of their high impact on environment, forestry, agriculture, waste water disposal, power plants, waterways, etc., drought periods in Central Europe were seldom the focus of public attention
In spite of their high impact on environment, forestry, agriculture, waste water disposal, power plants, waterways, etc., drought periods in Central Europe were seldom the focus of public attention.The hot and dry 1990s, and in particular the drought year 2003, changed this situation as it became clear that in spite of its temperate climate, Germany can be hit severely by low flows and drought [1], stimulating hydrological research, e.g., [2]
The present study aims at establishing relationships between the variation and decrease of low flows in a river in northern Germany, meteorological data, and groundwater abstractions for irrigation
Summary
In spite of their high impact on environment, forestry, agriculture, waste water disposal, power plants, waterways, etc., drought periods in Central Europe were seldom the focus of public attention. The hot and dry 1990s, and in particular the drought year 2003, changed this situation as it became clear that in spite of its temperate climate, Germany can be hit severely by low flows and drought [1], stimulating hydrological research, e.g., [2]. Like other hydrological processes and water balances of river basins, low flows are subject to climate variability and catchment characteristics [3], and anthropogenic impacts. The present study aims at establishing relationships between the variation and decrease of low flows in a river in northern Germany, meteorological data, and groundwater abstractions for irrigation
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