Modeling Riparian Restoration Impacts on the Hydrologic Cycle at the Babacomari Ranch, SE Arizona, USA

Laura Norman,Brandon Forbes,Chloé Fandel,James Callegary,Tyson Swetnam,Natalie Wilson,Laurel Lacher

doi:10.3390/w11020381

Abstract

This paper describes coupling field experiments with surface and groundwater modeling to investigate rangelands of SE Arizona, USA using erosion-control structures to augment shallow and deep aquifer recharge. We collected field data to describe the physical and hydrological properties before and after gabions (caged riprap) were installed in an ephemeral channel. The modular finite-difference flow model is applied to simulate the amount of increase needed to raise groundwater levels. We used the average increase in infiltration measured in the field and projected on site, assuming all infiltration becomes recharge, to estimate how many gabions would be needed to increase recharge in the larger watershed. A watershed model was then applied and calibrated with discharge and 3D terrain measurements, to simulate flow volumes. Findings were coupled to extrapolate simulations and quantify long-term impacts of riparian restoration. Projected scenarios demonstrate how erosion-control structures could impact all components of the annual water budget. Results support the potential of watershed-wide gabion installation to increase total aquifer recharge, with models portraying increased subsurface connectivity and accentuated lateral flow contributions.

Highlights

Given a growing concern regarding global water shortages, the potential to increase groundwater recharge offers promise for the sustainable management of growing populations [1,2]
We explore Erosion-control structures (ECS)-induced recharge at an aridland ranch in SE Arizona using the quasi-distributed watershed model, SWAT, with the fully distributed groundwater model, quasi-distributed watershed model, SWAT, with the fully distributed groundwater model, MODFLOW
We found that projecting these changes to the year 2050 increases lateral flows that could increase recharge to the aquifer, though it is unlikely that 100% of infiltrated water becomes recharge [66,81]

Summary

Introduction

Given a growing concern regarding global water shortages, the potential to increase groundwater recharge offers promise for the sustainable management of growing populations [1,2]. The concept of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is relatively new, it is being implemented worldwide, especially in aridlands where shortages are common, and the crises are more imminent. Artificial recharge of groundwater is achieved by facilitating the downward movement of surface water into the soil, first as infiltration and as recharge when it reaches the water table [3]. Erosion-control structures (ECS; i.e., check dams, gabions, etc.) impede storm runoff and soil erosion, facilitating infiltration [4]. ECS cause water to be detained in pools, with volume

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion