Abstract
The accuracy of groundwater flux measurement using a seepage meter was evaluated through a series of laboratory experiments under controlled flow conditions. Simulated groundwater influx and outflux rates were measured using a seepage meter, and the results were compared with the known water flux rates in our controlled tank flow system. Differences induced by the use of two different types of collection bag (Types 1 and 2) were also evaluated. The slopes of the trend lines between the controlled influx rate and influx as measured by the seepage meter were 0.6669 (for Type 1 bag) and 0.8563 (for Type 2 bag), suggesting that the groundwater influx rate as measured by the seepage meter may be less than the actual rate. This may be due to the resistance of the collection bags and head loss induced at the tubing orifice. With respect to outflux measurement, the slopes of the trend line were 1.3534 (for Type 1 bags) and 1.4748 (for Type 2 bags), suggesting that the outflux rate as measured by the seepage meter may be more than the actual rate. The size and wall thickness of the collection bag used affected the measured flux rates. This study suggests that, as long as errors can be identified, seepage meters can be a reliable means of studying groundwater–surface water interactions.
Highlights
Groundwater and surface water interact across a variety of topographic and climate environments and they support aquatic ecosystems [1,2]
The reason for the lower influx rates measured than actual values is most likely due to the resistance of the collection bags and head loss induced at the tubing orifice [34]
We tested errors induced by the seepage meter for influx and outflux measurements and compared the differences that arise from the use of different types of collection bags
Summary
Groundwater and surface water interact across a variety of topographic and climate environments and they support aquatic ecosystems [1,2]. From the perspective of the water cycle, surface water bodies are essentially an integral part of the groundwater system. With respect to river systems, there are two types of interaction between groundwater and surface water: the ‘gaining stream’. If either the groundwater or surface water is developed or becomes contaminated, it can affect each other [4]. It is essential to understand the relationship between groundwater and surface water in order to effectively manage water resources [5,6]. A number of methods have been used to evaluate interactions between groundwater and surface water, including hydraulic, numerical, thermal, isotopic, biological, and hydrogeochemical methods
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