Abstract
Estimating groundwater recharge in arid or semiarid regions can be a difficult and complex task, since it is dependent on a highly variable set of spatial and temporal hydrologic parameters and processes that are dependent on the local climate, the land surface properties, and subsurface characteristics. As a result, traditional methods for estimating the recharge can result in a wide range of derived values. This is evident in the southeastern Mojave Desert, where calculated recharge estimates by previous investigators that range over an order of magnitude (from ~2500 to ~37,000 acre feet per year) are reported. To narrow down this large span of recharge estimates to narrower and more plausible values, this study evaluates the previous recharge estimates in this region, to examine the sources of variability in the reported results and to constrain the recharge estimates based on the hydrologic conditions and the radiocarbon age-dating of spring flows—even without knowledge of the precise subsurface hydrology. The groundwater age and perennial flow characteristics of springs in this study could not be derived from waters sourced solely from local recharge. Therefore, the springs in this study require a significant groundwater contribution to their overall discharge. A previously described conceptual site model in the region established that Bonanza Spring is similarly hydrologically connected to the regional basin-fill aquifer, based on geologic and geochemical/isotopic analyses, and this conceptual site model for where perennial spring water is sourced should readily be extended to these other perennial springs in this region.
Highlights
Estimating groundwater recharge in arid or semiarid regions can be a difficult and complex task
This study focuses on a review of the past recharge estimates and associated uncertainties for the southeastern Mojave region, and it considers the results of the observed flow patterns of the springs and recent radiocarbon analyses on selected spring waters, to narrow the range of plausible estimates
This study evaluates five relatively recent efforts to estimate the recharge in this area: Geoscience
Summary
Estimating groundwater recharge in arid or semiarid regions can be a difficult and complex task. Groundwater recharge in arid and semi-arid areas is dependent on a complex set of spatial and temporal hydrologic parameters and processes dependent on local climate, land surface properties and subsurface characteristics that are extremely difficult to quantify by using conventional methods of analysis [1]. These difficulties are especially increased in the southeastern Mojave Desert, due to the sparse amount of data that is available in much of this generally undeveloped and expansive region, where large extrapolations are necessary between sparse locations where data are available. Groundwater recharge estimates for the hydrologic system have varied by more than an order of magnitude between different researchers, highlighting the current uncertainty attached to an important water resource parameter for this arid or semiarid region.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
