Water Budget Components Research Articles

The atmospheric component of the Mediterranean Sea water budget in a WRF multi-physics ensemble and observations

The use of high resolution atmosphere–ocean coupled regional climate models to study possible future climate changes in the Mediterranean Sea requires an accurate simulation of the atmospheric component of the water budget (i.e., evaporation, precipitation and runoff). A specific configuration of the version 3.1 of the weather research and forecasting (WRF) regional climate model was shown to systematically overestimate the Mediterranean Sea water budget mainly due to an excess of evaporation (~1,450 mm yr−1) compared with observed estimations (~1,150 mm yr−1). In this article, a 70-member multi-physics ensemble is used to try to understand the relative importance of various sub-grid scale processes in the Mediterranean Sea water budget and to evaluate its representation by comparing simulated results with observed-based estimates. The physics ensemble was constructed by performing 70 1-year long simulations using version 3.3 of the WRF model by combining six cumulus, four surface/planetary boundary layer and three radiation schemes. Results show that evaporation variability across the multi-physics ensemble (∼10 % of the mean evaporation) is dominated by the choice of the surface layer scheme that explains more than ∼70 % of the total variance and that the overestimation of evaporation in WRF simulations is generally related with an overestimation of surface exchange coefficients due to too large values of the surface roughness parameter and/or the simulation of too unstable surface conditions. Although the influence of radiation schemes on evaporation variability is small (∼13 % of the total variance), radiation schemes strongly influence exchange coefficients and vertical humidity gradients near the surface due to modifications of temperature lapse rates. The precipitation variability across the physics ensemble (∼35 % of the mean precipitation) is dominated by the choice of both cumulus (∼55 % of the total variance) and planetary boundary layer (∼32 % of the total variance) schemes with a strong regional dependence. Most members of the ensemble underestimate total precipitation amounts with biases as large as 250 mm yr−1 over the whole Mediterranean Sea compared with ERA Interim reanalysis mainly due to an underestimation of the number of wet days. The larger number of dry days in simulations is associated with a deficit in the activation of cumulus schemes. Both radiation and planetary boundary layer schemes influence precipitation through modifications on the available water vapor in the boundary layer generally tied with changes in evaporation.

Evaluation of Global Monsoon Precipitation Changes based on Five Reanalysis Datasets

Abstract With the motivation to identify whether a reasonably simulated atmospheric circulation would necessarily lead to a successful reproduction of monsoon precipitation, the performances of five sets of reanalysis data [NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project II (AMIP-II) reanalysis (NCEP-2), 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), Japanese 25-yr Reanalysis Project (JRA-25), Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)] in reproducing the climatology, interannual variation, and long-term trend of global monsoon (GM) precipitation are comprehensively evaluated. To better understand the variability and long-term trend of GM precipitation, the authors also examined the major components of water budget, including evaporation, water vapor convergence, and the change in local column water vapor, based on the five reanalysis datasets. Results show that all five reanalysis datasets reasonably reproduce the climatology of GM precipitation. ERA-Interim (NCEP-2) shows the highest (lowest) skill among the five datasets. The observed GM precipitation shows an increasing tendency during 1979–2011 along with a strong interannual variability, which is reasonably reproduced by five reanalysis datasets. The observed increasing trend of GM precipitation is dominated by contributions from the Asian, North American, Southern African, and Australian monsoons. All five datasets fail in reproducing the increasing tendency of the North African monsoon precipitation. The wind convergence term in the water budget equation dominates the GM precipitation variation, indicating a consistency between the GM precipitation and the seasonal change of prevailing wind.

Future Changes in Surface Runoff over Korea Projected by a Regional Climate Model under A1B Scenario

This study assesses future change of surface runoff due to climate change over Korea using a regional climate model (RCM), namely, the Global/Regional Integrated Model System (GRIMs), Regional Model Program (RMP). The RMP is forced by future climate scenario, namely, A1B of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). The RMP satisfactorily reproduces the observed seasonal mean and variation of surface runoff for the current climate simulation. The distribution of monsoonal precipitation-related runoff is adequately captured by the RMP. In the future (2040–2070) simulation, it is shown that the increasing trend of temperature has significant impacts on the intra-annual runoff variation. The variability of runoff is increased in summer; moreover, the strengthened possibility of extreme occurrence is detected in the future climate. This study indicates that future climate projection, including surface runoff and its variability over Korea, can be adequately addressed on the RMP testbed. Furthermore, this study reflects that global warming affects local hydrological cycle by changing major water budget components. This study adduces that the importance of runoff should not be overlooked in regional climate studies, and more elaborate presentation of fresh-water cycle is needed to close hydrological circulation in RCMs.

Effective Approach to Calculate Groundwater Return Flow to a River from Irrigation Areas

AbstractAn improved understanding of the water budget components in floodplain aquifers is necessary to implement and support water accounting requirements for use of river water. Of critical importance is the groundwater return flow as a result of recharge from irrigated water in a typical irrigation district near a river, which is the most uncertain and difficult component to be estimated. The objectives of this study are to (1) develop an effective but simple approach to estimate the amount of groundwater return flow to the river because of irrigation recharge; and (2) conduct uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of groundwater return flow to various recharge scenarios. The approach takes advantage of comprehensive drainage network typical in irrigation districts. The approach is evaluated and tested against numerical model results. It is found that the approach is accurate in calculating groundwater return flow for practical purposes of water accounting for less than 10% error. The authors further exa...

Adding trees to irrigated turfgrass lawns may be a water‐saving measure in semi‐arid environments

ABSTRACTEvapotranspiration (ET) of irrigated urban plants is a large yet uncertain component of urban water budgets in semi‐arid regions. A detailed understanding of plot‐scale ET and its sensitivity to plant species composition is necessary to improve estimates of urban water vapour fluxes and water balance. We used portable enclosed chambers and empirical equations to quantify ET from (1) unshaded urban lawns covered exclusively by turfgrass and (2) urban lawns comprised of open‐grown trees and turfgrass groundcover in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. Turfgrass at all locations had a non‐limiting supply of soil water because of regular sprinkler irrigation. ET of irrigated turfgrass reached a maximum of 10. 4 ± 1·3 mm d−1and was always higher than plot‐scale tree transpiration, which did not exceed 1 mm d−1. In summer, total plot ET of the lawns with trees was lower than lawns without trees by 0·9–3·9 mm d−1. Turfgrass ET was highly sensitive to solar radiation, and the ratio of ET of lawns with trees to ET of lawns without trees decreased with tree canopy cover. Hence, reductions in turfgrass ET caused by shading effects of open‐grown trees were more important in influencing total landscape ET than the addition of tree transpiration. This suggests that low‐density planting of trees that partially shade irrigated urban lawns may be a water‐saving measure in semi‐arid irrigated environments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using ion and isotope characterization to design a frame of protection of a wetland system (Massif Central, France)

The bio-diversity (vegetation and fauna) of peatlands, like all wetland ecosystems, is very fragile as it requires specific wet conditions. Over the past 20years, increasing efforts have been made to restore degraded wetlands, to re-create new wetlands where they were lost, and to sustainably manage for multiple benefits. However, actions to restore and preserve wetlands require an in-depth knowledge of the water cycle in the system. We used chemical and multi-isotopic approaches, combined with hydrological tools (measuring potentiometric levels and spring discharge), for tracing the water and dissolved-element fluxes in the Narces de la Sauvetat peatland (Central France) and for better understanding of water budget components involved in this ecosystem. This multi-pronged approach clearly demonstrated its effectiveness for improving our understanding of the hydrological functioning of this wetland ecosystem. The two main results are that: (1) The water volume flowing out of the peatland through the Fouragettes stream is often negligible; and (2) At least three strong groundwater fluxes with distinct chemical and isotopic signatures supply water to the peatland. This new understanding will help decision makers maintain the water balance of the peatland, which is essential for the preservation of this fragile ecosystem.

Satellite data application for the assessment of water balance in the Taihu watershed, China

With the development of population and economy, the problems of deficit in water resources and degradation in water environment are increasingly serious in the Taihu watershed of China. The information on spatial and temporal availabilities of water will be helpful for the optimum utilization of water resources. In this study, we apply precipitation (P) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) products, evapotranspiration (ET) derived from MODIS data, and ground-observed runoff. Then annual water budgets in the Taihu watershed from 2005 to 2007 and the variation of water budget components in spatial and temporal (monthly and annually) scales were evaluated. The results indicated that ET was the most notable component of water consumption in the watershed. The annual mean ratio of the ET to the precipitation was 0.73 to 0.89 in the watershed and 1.1 to 1.3 in Lake Taihu area from 2005 to 2007. The analysis of water balance in the watershed indicated that the amount of water input and output were approximately equal for the watershed and the lake areas with imbalance percentages of 1.4% to 4.4% and 0.1% to 4.0%, respectively.

Forecast of Natural Aquifer Discharge Using a Data‐Driven, Statistical Approach

In the Western United States, demand for water is often out of balance with limited water supplies. This has led to extensive water rights conflict and litigation. A tool that can reliably forecast natural aquifer discharge months ahead of peak water demand could help water practitioners and managers by providing advanced knowledge of potential water-right mitigation requirements. The timing and magnitude of natural aquifer discharge from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) in southern Idaho is accurately forecast 4 months ahead of the peak water demand, which occurs annually in July. An ARIMA time-series model with exogenous predictors (ARIMAX model) was used to develop the forecast. The ARIMAX model fit to a set of training data was assessed using Akaike's information criterion to select the optimal model that forecasts aquifer discharge, given the previous year's discharge and values of the predictor variables. Model performance was assessed by application of the model to a validation subset of data. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency for model predictions made on the validation set was 0.57. The predictor variables used in our forecast represent the major recharge and discharge components of the ESPA water budget, including variables that reflect overall water supply and important aspects of water administration and management. Coefficients of variation on the regression coefficients for streamflow and irrigation diversions were all much less than 0.5, indicating that these variables are strong predictors. The model with the highest AIC weight included streamflow, two irrigation diversion variables, and storage.

An analysis of factors determining spatial variable grain yield of winter wheat

We analyzed under the temperate weather conditions of northwest Germany the relationships between soil water supply, crop canopy dynamics, radiation interception, components of the soil water balance and grain yield of winter wheat using data obtained from field experiments during three years. A dynamic model of the soil water budget in combination with frequent measurements of canopy parameters thereby was used to estimate the components of the water balance and radiation interception site specifically. Differences in soil texture and soil water supply characteristics in combination with variable canopy dynamics lead to substantial differences in radiation interception, components of the soil water budget and yield. The sum of intercepted photosynthetic active radiation corrected for drought stress by the ratio of actual to potential transpiration showed a unique positive correlation to grain yield over the three experimental years. Positive correlations between grain yield and actual transpiration normalized by saturation deficit were also found, however, the slopes differed between years. The best predictor of grain yield was the ratio of the sum actual transpiration to the sum of potential evapotranspiration. We could also show that drought stress corrected radiation interception and the ratio ΣTa/ΣETp evaluated at end of May already correlated significantly with final grain yield. This may offer options for improved site specific crop management.

Estimation of evapotranspiration and its partition based on an extended three-temperature model and MODIS products

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an energy balance component and a key component of water budget; thus, accurate estimates of ET are critical for understanding hydrological processes and water resources management. Despite growing concerns, challenges remain in estimating ET by remote sensing technology for regional applications, due to the difficulty in determination of aerodynamic, canopy and soil resistance. Instead of using resistance, ET and their partition of evaporation (Es) and transpiration (Ec) can be evaluated based on an extended three temperature model (3T model) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products for the period of 2001–2009. A case study was conducted in the Heihe River Basin in northwestern China. Validation results indicated that the mean absolute error was 0.08mm/d, with a maximum and minimum absolute error of 1.28mm/d and 0.02mm/d, respectively, which presented a simple extended 3T model in estimating ET with adequate accuracy and could satisfy regional research requirement at large scales. Results showed that: (1) seasonally, ET was highest (varied from 0.80mm/d to 1.27mm/d with a mean value of 1.05mm/d) in summer and lowest in winter (varied from 0.35mm/d to 0.44mm/d with a mean value of 0.37mm/d); (2) spatially, it rendered a decrease from the Qilian Mountain of the upper reaches (515mm/a) to the Gobi desert of the lower reaches (82mm/a), which was closely related to land covers and climate conditions; (3) the comparison of different ecosystems indicated that forest has the highest ET (588mm), followed by grassland (308mm), farmland (225mm), and desert land (160mm); (4) ET was separated into Es and Ec, and about 38–72% soil water returned to the atmosphere in the form of Es. This information will prove to be useful for water-use efficiency of the Ecological Water Conveyances Project (EWCP) conducted in the basin.

Evapotranspiration from a Green-Roof Storm-Water Control Measure

The ability to estimate the components of the hydrologic cycle is the key to the proper design and implementation of storm-water control measures (SCMs). Reuse, infiltration, and evapotranspiration (ET) are used by SCMs to reduce runoff. This study quantifies the ET component of a green-roof SCM water budget using weighing lysimeters for 3 years demonstrating its significance. Each of the years (2009–2011) was different climatologically. The measured ET was compared with potential ET calculated by several methods. Further, the measured ET is analyzed for its dependency on climatological factors and previous rain day. The average daily ET was observed to range from 1 to 10 mm/day depending on season, temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and antecedent moisture condition.

A Comparison of in Situ, Reanalysis, and Satellite Water Budgets over the Upper Colorado River Basin

AbstractUsing in situ, reanalysis, and satellite-derived datasets, surface and atmospheric water budgets of the Upper Colorado River basin are analyzed. All datasets capture the seasonal cycle for each water budget component. For precipitation, all products capture the interannual variability, though reanalyses tend to overestimate in situ while satellite-derived precipitation underestimates. Most products capture the interannual variability of evapotranspiration (ET), though magnitudes differ among the products. Variability and magnitude among storage volume change products widely vary. With regards to the surface water budget, the strongest connections exist among precipitation, ET, and soil moisture, while snow water equivalent (SWE) is best correlated with runoff. Using in situ precipitation estimates, the Max Planck Institute (MPI) ET estimates, and accumulated runoff, changes in storage are calculated and compare well with estimated changes in storage calculated using SWE, reservoir, and the Climate Prediction Center’s soil moisture. Using in situ precipitation estimates, MPI ET estimates, and atmospheric divergence estimates from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) results in a long-term atmospheric storage change estimate of −73 mm. Long-term surface storage estimates combined with long-term runoff come close to balancing with long-term atmospheric convergence from ERA-Interim. Increasing the MPI ET by 5% leads to a better balance between surface storage changes, runoff, and atmospheric convergence. It also brings long-term atmospheric storage changes to a better balance at +13 mm.

Modeling water management scenarios for the Cienega de Santa Clara, an anthropogenic coastal desert wetland system, based on inflow volumes and salinities

The Cienega de Santa Clara in the Colorado River Delta, Mexico is a self-designed wetland system fed since 1977 by brackish groundwater diverted from the U.S. to Mexico. The vegetated upper portion of the Cienega provides habitat for endangered Yuma-Clappers rails and other marsh birds and fulfills other ecological functions. Outflow water pools in the Santa Clara Slough south of the Cienega and provides habitat for migratory shorebirds. Conditions in the Cienega and Santa Clara Slough could be altered by operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP), which will divert water from the Cienega and replace it with brine water resulting from the desalting process. Our objective was to integrate water budget components into models predicting the extent of the dominant vegetation (southern cattail, Typha domingensis Pers.) in the marsh and the area of the outflow pool below the marsh in response to different operating scenarios for the YDP. The models are intended to serve as tools for resource managers charged with maintaining this wetland complex. Unlike many wetland water budget models, this one explicitly takes into account salinity as a factor in the water budget. We modeled inflow rates ranging from 1 to 6m3s−1 and inflow salinities ranging from 0 to 6gL−1 Total Dissolved Solids. The model indicates that if the inflow rate is reduced below the current 4–5m3s−1 the vegetated area of the Cienega would decrease in proportion, as would the area of the outflow pool in the Santa Clara Slough. Increases in salinity will also reduce the vegetated area due to the low salt tolerance of T. domingensis. In winter about 90% of inflow water exits the Cienega into the Santa Clara Slough due to low evapotranspiration, and on an annual basis 70% of inflows exit into the Santa Clara Slough. These flushing flows maintain the salt balance in the Cienega. The Santa Clara Slough is periodically flushed by spring tides, making this a sustainable, open wetland system in its present state.

Atmospheric water balance over oceanic regions as estimated from satellite, merged, and reanalysis data

[1] The column integrated atmospheric water balance over the ocean was examined using satellite-based and merged data sets for the period from 2000 to 2005. The data sets for the components of the atmospheric water balance include evaporation from the HOAPS, GSSTF, and OAFlux and precipitation from the HOAPS, CMAP, and GPCP. The water vapor tendency was derived from water vapor data of HOAPS. The product for water vapor flux convergence estimated using satellite observation data was used. The atmospheric balance components from the MERRA reanalysis data were also examined. Residuals of the atmospheric water balance equation were estimated using nine possible combinations of the data sets over the ocean between 60°N and 60°S. The results showed that there was considerable disagreement in the residual intensities and distributions from the different combinations of the data sets. In particular, the residuals in the estimations of the satellite-based atmospheric budget appear to be large over the oceanic areas with heavy precipitation such as the intertropical convergence zone, South Pacific convergence zone, and monsoon regions. The lack of closure of the atmospheric water cycle may be attributed to the uncertainties in the data sets and approximations in the atmospheric water balance equation. Meanwhile, the anomalies of the residuals from the nine combinations of the data sets are in good agreement with their variability patterns. These results suggest that significant consideration is needed when applying the data sets of water budget components to quantitative water budget studies, while climate variability analysis based on the residuals may produce similar results.

The Regional Atmospheric Water Budget over Southwestern Germany under Different Synoptic Conditions

Abstract This study addresses the question of how complex topography in a low-mountain region affects the partitioning and the variability of the atmospheric water budget components (WBCs) as a function of synoptic-scale flow conditions. The WBCs are calculated for regions of different size and location in southwestern Germany and the summer months from 2005 to 2009 using the high-resolution regional climate model COSMO-CLM driven by Global Model (GME) analyses. Comparisons with observations from the Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study (COPS) performed in summer 2007 show that the model is capable of simulating the atmospheric water budget reasonably (absolute mean error between 0.1 and 0.7 kg m−2 day−1). To investigate the influence of synoptic weather conditions, the daily WBCs are classified based on the inflow direction of the air masses and the cyclonality at 500 hPa. Using statistical tests, four groups out of the six synoptic conditions have significantly different distributions of the WBCs. This can be explained by differences in the air mass features and the influence of high/low pressure systems. The sensitivity of the modeled WBCs to topography and land cover is investigated by comparing a region in the flat upper Rhine Valley with one in the mountainous Black Forest/Swabian Jura. Compared to the Rhine Valley, increases of evapotranspiration (+5% to +16%), precipitation (+26% to +57%), and moisture convergence (+24% to +93%) are noticeable in the low-mountain region. Local modifications of the synoptic-scale flow, thermally induced winds, and land use cause this intensification of the atmospheric water budget, especially on the windward slopes of the mountains.

Conceptual and numerical modeling approach of the Guarani Aquifer System

Abstract. In large aquifers, relevant for their considerable size, regional groundwater modeling remains challenging given geologic complexity and data scarcity in space and time. Yet, it may be conjectured that regional scale groundwater flow models can help in understanding the flow system functioning and the relative magnitude of water budget components, which are important for aquifer management. The Guaraní Aquifer System is the largest transboundary aquifer in South America. It contains an enormous volume of water; however, it is not well known, being difficult to assess the impact of exploitation currently used to supply over 25 million inhabitants. This is a sensitive issue because the aquifer is shared by four countries. Moreover, an integrated groundwater model, and therefore a global water balance, were not available. In this work, a transient regional scale model for the entire aquifer based upon five simplified, equally plausible conceptual models represented by different hydraulic conductivity parametrizations is used to analyze the flow system and water balance components. Combining an increasing number of hydraulic conductivity zones and an appropriate set of boundary conditions, the hypothesis of a continuous sedimentary unit yielded errors within the calibration target in a regional sense. The magnitude of the water budget terms resulted very similar for all parametrizations. Recharge and stream/aquifer fluxes were the dominant components representing, on average, 84.2% of total inflows and 61.4% of total outflows, respectively. However, leakage was small compared to stream discharges of main rivers. For instance, the simulated average leakage for the Uruguay River was 8 m3 s−1 while the observed absolute minimum discharge was 382 m3 s−1. Streams located in heavily pumped regions switched from a gaining condition in early years to a losing condition over time. Water is discharged through the aquifer boundaries, except at the eastern boundary. On average, pumping represented 16.2% of inflows while aquifer storage experienced a small overall increment. The model water balance indicates that the current rate of groundwater withdrawals does not exceed the rate of recharge in a regional sense.

Energy exchange and water budget partitioning in a boreal minerogenic mire

This study investigated patterns and controls of the seasonal and inter‐annual variations in energy fluxes (i.e., sensible heat, H, and latent heat, λE) and partitioning of the water budget (i.e., precipitation, P; evapotranspiration, ET; discharge, Q; and soil water storage, ∆S) over five years (2001–2005) in a boreal oligotrophic fen in northern Sweden based on continuous eddy covariance, water table level (WTL), and weir measurements. For the growing season (May 1 to September 31), the 5 year averages (± standard deviation) of the midday (10:00 to 14:00 h) Bowen ratio (β, i.e., H/λE) was 0.86 ± 0.08. Seasonal and inter‐annual variability of β was mainly driven by λE which itself was strongly controlled by both weather (i.e., vapor pressure deficit, D, and net radiation, Rn) and physiological parameters (i.e., surface resistance). During the growing season, surface resistance largely exceeded aerodynamic resistance, which together with low mean values of the actual ET to potential ET ratio (0.55 ± 0.05) and Priestley‐Taylor α (0.89) suggests significant physiological constrains on ET in this well‐watered fen. Among the water budget components, the inter‐annual variability of ET was lower (199 to 298 mm) compared to Q (225 to 752 mm), with each accounting on average for 34 and 65% of the ecosystem water loss, respectively. The fraction of P expended into ET was negatively correlated to P and positively to Rn. Although a decrease in WTL caused a reduction of the surface conductance, the overall effect of WTL on ET was limited. Non‐growing season (October 1 to April 30) fluxes of H, λE, and Q were significant representing on average −67%, 13%, and 61%, respectively, of their growing season sums (negative sign indicates opposite flux direction between the two seasons). Overall, our findings suggest that plant functional type composition, P and Rn dynamics (i.e., amount and timing) were the major controls on the partitioning of the mire energy and water budgets. This has important implications for the regional climate as well as for ecosystem development, nutrient, and carbon dynamics.

Development of a stream–aquifer numerical flow model to assess river water management under water scarcity in a Mediterranean basin

Stream flow, as a part of a basin hydrological cycle, will be sensible to water scarcity as a result of climate change. Stream vulnerability should then be evaluated as a key component of the basin water budget. Numerical flow modeling has been applied to an alluvial formation in a small mountain basin to evaluate the stream–aquifer relationship under these future scenarios. The Arbúcies River basin (116km2) is located in the Catalan Inner Basins (NE Spain) and its lower reach, which is related to an alluvial aquifer, usually becomes dry during the summer period. This study seeks to determine the origin of such discharge losses whether from natural stream leakage and/or induced capture due to groundwater withdrawal. Our goal is also investigating how discharge variations from the basin headwaters, representing potential effects of climate change, may affect stream flow, aquifer recharge, and finally environmental preservation and human supply.A numerical flow model of the alluvial aquifer, based on MODFLOW and especially in the STREAM routine, reproduced the flow system after the usual calibration. Results indicate that, in the average, stream flow provides more than 50% of the water inputs to the alluvial aquifer, being responsible for the amount of stored water resources and for satisfying groundwater exploitation for human needs. Detailed simulations using daily time-steps permit setting threshold values for the stream flow entering at the beginning of the studied area so surface discharge is maintained along the whole watercourse and ecological flow requirements are satisfied as well. The effects of predicted rainfall and temperature variations on the Arbúcies River alluvial aquifer water balance are also discussed from the outcomes of the simulations. Finally, model results indicate the relevance of headwater discharge management under future climate scenarios to preserve downstream hydrological processes. They also point out that small mountain basins could be self-sufficient units so long as the response of the main hydrological components to external forces that produce water scarcity, as climate change or human pressures, is appropriately considered in water resource planning.

Comment on “Distributed Recharge Estimation for Groundwater Modelling Using WETSPAA Model—Gaza Strip, Palestine” by Adnan M. Aish, O. Batelaan and F. De Smedt

Groundwater recharge is an important component of water budget for any catchment. Quantification of recharge from rainfall is a big challenge for hydrologists, as there is no accurate and robust method to rely upon. Different methods can be found in the literature Xu and Beekman (UNESCO IHP Series No. 64, 2003), but the selection of the appropriate method depends on site characterisation and data availability. This short communication discusses the paper “Distributed recharge estimation for groundwater modelling using WETSPAA model—Gaza Strip, Palestine” by Adnan M. Aish, O. Batelaan and F. De Smedt, and the resulting groundwater recharge amount. A comparison of recharge amount and spatial distribution resulting from the paper and other studies from the literature has been made. This comparison shows that the resulting rainfall recharge of Aish et al. (Arab J Sci Eng 35(1B):155–163, 2010) in some areas is almost double that found in literature.

Comprensión de los procesos de agua subterránea mediante la representación de la heterogeneidad del acuífero en la cuenca del arroyo Maules, Namoi Valley (Nueva Gales del Sur, Australia)

A FEFLOW three-dimensional (3D) groundwater model is developed to enhance the understanding of groundwater processes in the complex alluvial stratigraphy of Maules Creek Catchment (New South Wales, Australia). The aquifer vertical heterogeneity is replicated by indexing 204 lithological logs into units of high or low hydraulic conductivity, and by developing a 3D geological conceptual model with a vertical resolution based on the average lithological unit thickness for the region. The model mesh is populated with the indexed geology using nearest neighbour gridding. The calibrated model is successful in simulating the observed flow dynamics and in quantifying the important water-budget components. This indicates that the lateral groundwater flow from the mountainous region is the main inflow component of the system. Under natural conditions, the Namoi River acts as a sink of water, but groundwater abstraction increasingly removes a large amount of water each year causing dewatering of the system. The pumping condition affects the river–aquifer interaction by reversing the flow, from gaining to losing river conditions during the simulation period. The procedure is relevant for the development of groundwater models of heterogeneous systems in order to improve the understanding of the interplay between aquifer architecture and groundwater processes.