A multi-method approach to quantify groundwater/surface water-interactions in the semi-arid Hailiutu River basin, northwest China

Yang, Zhi; Zhou, Yangxiao; Wenninger, Jochen; Uhlenbrook, Stefan

A multi-method approach to quantify groundwater/surface water-interactions in the semi-arid Hailiutu River basin, northwest China | Une approche pluridisciplinaire pour quantifier les interactions eau superficielle - eau souterraine dans le bassin semi-aride de la rivière Hailiutu, Nord-Ouest de la Chine Un enfoque multi método para cuantificar las interacciones entre el agua superficial y el agua subterránea en la cuenca semiárida del Río Hailiutu, noroeste de China 多方法定量评价中国西北半干旱地区海流图流域地表水和地下水交互关系 Uma abordagem multi-metodológica para a quantificação das interações da água subterrânea com a água superficial na bacia semiárida do rio Hailiutu, noroeste da China

2014

Yang, Zhi | Zhou, Yangxiao | Wenninger, Jochen | Uhlenbrook, Stefan

Identification and quantification of groundwater and surface-water interactions provide important scientific insights for managing groundwater and surface-water conjunctively. This is especially relevant in semi-arid areas where groundwater is often the main source to feed river discharge and to maintain groundwater dependent ecosystems. Multiple field measurements were taken in the semi-arid Bulang sub-catchment, part of the Hailiutu River basin in northwest China, to identify and quantify groundwater and surface-water interactions. Measurements of groundwater levels and stream stages for a 1-year investigation period indicate continuous groundwater discharge to the river. Temperature measurements of stream water, streambed deposits at different depths, and groundwater confirm the upward flow of groundwater to the stream during all seasons. Results of a tracer-based hydrograph separation exercise reveal that, even during heavy rainfall events, groundwater contributes much more to the increased stream discharge than direct surface runoff. Spatially distributed groundwater seepage along the stream was estimated using mass balance equations with electrical conductivity measurements during a constant salt injection experiment. Calculated groundwater seepage rates showed surprisingly large spatial variations for a relatively homogeneous sandy aquifer.

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