Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study

Although most recharge estimation studies apply multiple methods to identify the possible range in recharge values, many do not distinguish clearly enough between inherent uncertainty of the methods and other factors affecting the results. We investigated the additional value that can be gained from...

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Main Authors: Walker, D., Parkin, G., Schmitter, Petra S., Gowing, J., Tilahun, Seifu A., Haile, Alemseged Tamiru, Yimam, A.Y.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Wiley 2019
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98422
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author Walker, D.
Parkin, G.
Schmitter, Petra S.
Gowing, J.
Tilahun, Seifu A.
Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
Yimam, A.Y.
author_browse Gowing, J.
Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
Parkin, G.
Schmitter, Petra S.
Tilahun, Seifu A.
Walker, D.
Yimam, A.Y.
author_facet Walker, D.
Parkin, G.
Schmitter, Petra S.
Gowing, J.
Tilahun, Seifu A.
Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
Yimam, A.Y.
author_sort Walker, D.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Although most recharge estimation studies apply multiple methods to identify the possible range in recharge values, many do not distinguish clearly enough between inherent uncertainty of the methods and other factors affecting the results. We investigated the additional value that can be gained from multi-method recharge studies through insights into hydrogeological understanding, in addition to characterizing uncertainty. Nine separate groundwater recharge estimation methods, with a total of 17 variations, were applied at a shallow aquifer in northwest Ethiopia in the context of the potential for shallow groundwater resource development. These gave a wide range of recharge values from 45 to 814 mm/a. Critical assessment indicated that the results depended on what the recharge represents (actual, potential, minimum recharge or change in aquifer storage), and spatial and temporal scales, as well as uncertainties from application of each method. Important insights into the hydrogeological system were gained from this detailed analysis, which also confirmed that the range of values for actual recharge was reduced to around 280-430 mm/a. This study demonstrates that even when assumptions behind methods are violated, as they often are to some degree especially when data are limited, valuable insights into the hydrogeological system can be gained from application of multiple methods.
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spelling CGSpace984222025-10-14T15:09:09Z Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study Walker, D. Parkin, G. Schmitter, Petra S. Gowing, J. Tilahun, Seifu A. Haile, Alemseged Tamiru Yimam, A.Y. hydrogeology aquifers groundwater recharge groundwater flow water storage water resources development water levels water table uncertainty rain Although most recharge estimation studies apply multiple methods to identify the possible range in recharge values, many do not distinguish clearly enough between inherent uncertainty of the methods and other factors affecting the results. We investigated the additional value that can be gained from multi-method recharge studies through insights into hydrogeological understanding, in addition to characterizing uncertainty. Nine separate groundwater recharge estimation methods, with a total of 17 variations, were applied at a shallow aquifer in northwest Ethiopia in the context of the potential for shallow groundwater resource development. These gave a wide range of recharge values from 45 to 814 mm/a. Critical assessment indicated that the results depended on what the recharge represents (actual, potential, minimum recharge or change in aquifer storage), and spatial and temporal scales, as well as uncertainties from application of each method. Important insights into the hydrogeological system were gained from this detailed analysis, which also confirmed that the range of values for actual recharge was reduced to around 280-430 mm/a. This study demonstrates that even when assumptions behind methods are violated, as they often are to some degree especially when data are limited, valuable insights into the hydrogeological system can be gained from application of multiple methods. 2019-03 2018-12-04T04:49:21Z 2018-12-04T04:49:21Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98422 en Open Access Wiley Walker, D.; Parkin, G.; Schmitter, Petra; Gowing, J.; Tilahun, S. A.; Haile, Alemseged T.; Yimam, A. Y. 2018. Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study. Groundwater, 14p. (Online first) doi: 10.1111/gwat.12801
spellingShingle hydrogeology
aquifers
groundwater recharge
groundwater flow
water storage
water resources development
water levels
water table
uncertainty
rain
Walker, D.
Parkin, G.
Schmitter, Petra S.
Gowing, J.
Tilahun, Seifu A.
Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
Yimam, A.Y.
Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title_full Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title_fullStr Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title_full_unstemmed Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title_short Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study
title_sort insights from a multi method recharge estimation comparison study
topic hydrogeology
aquifers
groundwater recharge
groundwater flow
water storage
water resources development
water levels
water table
uncertainty
rain
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98422
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AT tilahunseifua insightsfromamultimethodrechargeestimationcomparisonstudy
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