Influence of the karst matrix hydraulic conductivity and specific yield on the estimation accuracy of karstic water storage variation

Abstract

Karst water plays a crucial role as a freshwater source, which provides drinking water for millions of people worldwide. Accurate assessment of karst water resources and prediction of the impact of rainfall events on karst systems require a comprehensive understanding of medium parameters, such as the karst matrix hydraulic conductivity and specific yield. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated the effects of karst matrix hydrogeological parameters on the estimation accuracy of karstic water storage variation using a numerical modelling approach. Specifically, we considered matrix–conduit coupled karst systems and analysed the spring flow recession hydrograph following rainfall events. The objective of this study was to explore the vertical and horizontal variations in karst matrix parameters and their effects on the estimation accuracy of karstic water storage variation and to provide insights into the role of the hydraulic conductivity and specific yield in controlling groundwater dynamics. The results of this study have important implications for karst water resource management, highlighting the necessity for improved characterization of karst aquifer medium properties.