Abstract
Abstract. The hyporheic flux can be characterized using the heat-tracing method. Based on the analytical solution of the one-dimensional steady-state heat transport equation under vertical groundwater discharge conditions, hyporheic flux was obtained via a curve fitting method. The temperature data used was obtained from monitoring three different sections of the DaWen River, Shandong Province. The distribution of the depth of the hyporheic zone was analysed by a curve relating groundwater temperature and the depth of the hyporheic zone. The study results showed that the vertical hyporheic flux was significantly heterogeneous along the three sections. The hyporheic flux ranged from 99.61 to 356.25 L/m2 per day. In the summer, the low temperature area on streambed profile was in accordance with the high value areas of hyporheic flux. There were several strong discharge zones within the same section and these flux values were normally distributed. The depth of the hyporheic zone was inversely proportional to the hyporheic flux and the hyporheic zone depth, also, presented great spatial heterogeneity.
Highlights
As the interaction and transition zone of surface water and groundwater, the hyporheic zone plays an important role in the hydrological cycle (Brunke and Gonser 1997)
This study calculated hyporheic flux based on the governing equation for one-dimensional steadystate heat transport with the direction of groundwater discharge via a heat tracing method
The heterogeneity within the river was more remarkable than the riverbank, which confirmed the validity of studying heterogeneity of hyporheic flux via heat tracing method
Summary
As the interaction and transition zone of surface water and groundwater, the hyporheic zone plays an important role in the hydrological cycle (Brunke and Gonser 1997). Hyporheic exchange affects the constitution of water resources along the riverbank and ecological function of the transformation interface between river and groundwater (Wang et al 2007). Having a clear understanding of the processes and characteristics of hyporheic exchange is of great significance in evaluating and exploiting water resources, as well as for maintaining and restoring the surface water−groundwater ecological system. Hydraulic characteristics of natural aquifer media have significant heterogeneity and spatial variability
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call