scholarly journals A review of methods for measuring groundwater–surface water exchange in braided rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 4397-4417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Coluccio ◽  
Leanne Kaye Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Hyporheic Exchange ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Braided Rivers ◽  
River Bed ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract. Braided rivers, while uncommon internationally, are significant in terms of their unique ecosystems and as vital freshwater resources at locations where they occur. With an increasing awareness of the connected nature of surface water and groundwater, there have been many studies examining groundwater–surface water exchange in various types of waterbodies, but significantly less research has been conducted in braided rivers. Thus, there is currently limited understanding of how characteristics unique to braided rivers, such as channel shifting, expanding and narrowing margins, and a high degree of heterogeneity affect groundwater–surface water flow paths. This article provides an overview of characteristics specific to braided rivers, including a map showing the regions where braided rivers are mainly found at the global scale: Alaska, Canada, the Japanese and European Alps, the Himalayas, Russia, and New Zealand. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first map of its kind. This is followed by a review of prior studies that have investigated groundwater–surface water interactions in braided rivers and their associated aquifers. The various methods used to characterise these processes are discussed with emphasis on their effectiveness in achieving the studies' objectives and their applicability in braided rivers. We also discuss additional methods that appear promising to apply in braided river settings. The aim is to provide guidance on methodologies most suitable for future work in braided rivers. In many cases, previous studies found a multi-method approach useful to produce more robust results and compare data collected at various scales. Given the challenges of working directly in braided rivers, there is considerable scope for the increased use of remote sensing techniques. There is also opportunity for new approaches to modelling braided rivers using integrated techniques that incorporate the complex river bed terrain and geomorphology of braided rivers explicitly. We also identify a critical need to improve the conceptual understanding of hyporheic exchange in braided rivers, rates of recharge to and from braided rivers, and historical patterns of dry and low-flow periods in these rivers.

scholarly journals A review of methods for measuring groundwater–surface water exchange in braided rivers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Coluccio ◽  
Leanne Kaye Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Hyporheic Exchange ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Braided Rivers ◽  
River Bed ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract. Braided rivers, while uncommon internationally, are significant in terms of their unique ecosystems and as vital freshwater resources at locations where they occur. With an increasing awareness of the connected nature of surface water and groundwater, there have been many studies examining groundwater–surface water exchange in various types of waterbodies, but significantly less research has been conducted in braided rivers. Thus, there is currently limited understanding of how characteristics unique to braided rivers, such as channel shifting; expanding and narrowing margins; and a high degree of heterogeneity affect groundwater–surface water flow paths. This article provides an overview of characteristics specific to braided rivers, including a map showing the regions where braided rivers are concentrated at the global scale: Alaska, Canada, the Japanese and European Alps, the Himalayas and New Zealand. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first map of its kind. This is followed by a review of prior studies that have investigated groundwater-surface water interactions in braided rivers and their associated aquifers. The various methods used to characterise these processes are discussed with emphasis on their effectiveness in achieving the studies' objectives and their applicability in braided rivers. The aim is to provide guidance on methodologies most suitable for future work in braided rivers. In many cases, previous studies found a multi-method approach useful to produce more robust results and compare data collected at various scales. Ultimately, the most appropriate method(s) for a given study will be based on several factors, including the scale of interactions that need to be observed; site-specific characteristics; budget; and time available. Given these considerations, we conclude that it is best to begin braided river studies with broad-scale methods such as airborne thermal imaging, differential flow gauging or tracer analysis and then focus the investigation using finer scale techniques such as groundwater well observations or temperature sensors. Given the challenges of working directly in braided rivers, there is considerable scope for the increased use of remote sensing techniques and geophysics. There is also opportunity for new approaches to modelling braided rivers using integrated techniques that incorporate the often-complex river bed terrain and geomorphology of braided rivers explicitly. We also identify a critical need to improve understanding of the role of hyporheic exchange in braided rivers; rates of recharge to/from braided rivers; and historical patterns of dry and low-flow periods in these rivers.

scholarly journals Electrical resistivity dynamics beneath a fractured sedimentary bedrock riverbed in response to temperature and groundwater–surface water exchange

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 3105-3123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colby M. Steelman ◽  
Celia S. Kennedy ◽  
Donovan C. Capes ◽  
Beth L. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Specific Conductance ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Thermal Transients ◽  
Thaw Cycle

Abstract. Bedrock rivers occur where surface water flows along an exposed rock surface. Fractured sedimentary bedrock can exhibit variable groundwater residence times, anisotropic flow paths, and heterogeneity, along with diffusive exchange between fractures and rock matrix. These properties of the rock will affect thermal transients in the riverbed and groundwater–surface water exchange. In this study, surface electrical methods were used as a non-invasive technique to assess the scale and temporal variability of riverbed temperature and groundwater–surface water interaction beneath a sedimentary bedrock riverbed. Conditions were monitored at a semi-daily to semi-weekly interval over a full annual period that included a seasonal freeze–thaw cycle. Surface electromagnetic induction (EMI) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods captured conditions beneath the riverbed along a pool–riffle sequence of the Eramosa River in Canada. Geophysical datasets were accompanied by continuous measurements of aqueous specific conductance, temperature, and river stage. Time-lapse vertical temperature trolling within a lined borehole adjacent to the river revealed active groundwater flow zones along fracture networks within the upper 10 m of rock. EMI measurements collected during cooler high-flow and warmer low-flow periods identified a spatiotemporal riverbed response that was largely dependent upon riverbed morphology and seasonal groundwater temperature. Time-lapse ERT profiles across the pool and riffle sequence identified seasonal transients within the upper 2 and 3 m of rock, respectively, with spatial variations controlled by riverbed morphology (pool versus riffle) and dominant surficial rock properties (competent versus weathered rock rubble surface). While the pool and riffle both exhibited a dynamic resistivity through seasonal cooling and warming cycles, conditions beneath the pool were more variable, largely due to the formation of river ice during the winter season. We show that surface electrical resistivity methods have the capacity to detect and resolve electrical resistivity transience beneath a fractured bedrock riverbed in response to porewater temperature and specific conductance fluctuations over a complete annual cycle.

scholarly journals Electrical Resistivity Dynamics beneath a Fractured Sedimentary Bedrock Riverbed in Response to Temperature and Groundwater/Surface Water Exchange

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colby Steelman ◽  
Celia S. Kennedy ◽  
Donovan Capes ◽  
Beth L. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Rock Surface ◽  
Groundwater Temperature ◽  
Thermal Transients ◽  
Thaw Cycle

Abstract. Bedrock rivers occur where surface water flows along an exposed rock surface. Fractured sedimentary bedrock can exhibit variable groundwater residence times, anisotropic flow paths, heterogeneity, along with diffusive exchange between fractures and rock matrix. These properties of the rock will affect thermal transients in the riverbed and groundwater–surface water exchange. In this study, surface electrical methods were used as a non-invasive technique to assess the scale and temporal variability of riverbed temperature and groundwater–surface water exchange beneath a sedimentary bedrock riverbed. Conditions were monitored on a semi-daily to semi-weekly interval over a full annual period that included a seasonal freeze-thaw cycle. Surface electromagnetic induction and electrical resistivity imaging methods captured conditions beneath the riverbed along a pool-riffle sequence within the Eramosa River, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Geophysical datasets were accompanied by continuous measurements of aqueous specific conductance, temperature and river stage. Vertical temperature profiling conducted in an inclined borehole underlying the river revealed active groundwater flow zones through fracture networks within the upper 10 m of rock. Resistivity measurements during cooler high-flow and warmer low-flow conditions identified a spatiotemporal riverbed response that was largely dependent upon riverbed morphology and groundwater temperature. Time-lapse resistivity profiles collected across the pool and riffle identified seasonal transients within the upper 2 m and 3 m of rock, respectively, with spatial variations controlled by riverbed morphology (pool verses riffle) and dominant surficial rock properties (competent verses weathered rock rubble surface). While the pool and riffle both exhibited a dynamic resistivity through seasonal cooling and warming cycles, conditions beneath the pool were more dynamic, largely due to the formation of river ice. Although seasonal resistivity trends beneath the riverbed suggest groundwater discharge may be influencing the spatiotemporal extent of a groundwater-surface water mixing zone, intraseasonal resistivity transience suggest potential groundwater–surface water exchange across the upper few meters of rock.

scholarly journals The effect of streambed heterogeneity on groundwater-surface water exchange fluxes inferred from temperature time series

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan J. Irvine ◽  
Roger H. Cranswick ◽  
Craig T. Simmons ◽  
Margaret A. Shanafield ◽  
Laura K. Lautz
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Temperature Time Series ◽  
Temperature Time ◽  
Streambed Heterogeneity

ALLUVIAL CHARACTERISTICS, GROUNDWATER–SURFACE WATER EXCHANGE AND HYDROLOGICAL RETENTION IN HEADWATER STREAMS

1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN A. MORRICE ◽  
H. MAURICE VALETT ◽  
CLIFFORD N. DAHM ◽  
MICHAEL E. CAMPANA
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Headwater Streams

Nitrogen patterns in subsurface waters of the Yzeron stream: effect of combined sewer overflows and subsurface–surface water mixing

2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 2632-2637 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Aucour ◽  
T. Bariac ◽  
P. Breil ◽  
P. Namour ◽  
L. Schmitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Subsurface Water ◽  
Urban Stream ◽  
Nitrogen Forms ◽  
Combined Sewer Overflows ◽  
Combined Sewer ◽  
Subsurface Waters ◽  
Sewer Overflows

Urbanization subjects streams to increased nitrogen loads. Therefore studying nitrogen forms at the interface between urban stream and groundwater is important for water resource management. In this study we report results on water δ18O and nitrogen forms in subsurface waters of a stream (Yzeron, France). The sites studied were located upstream and downstream of combined sewer overflows (CSO) in a rural area and a periurban area, respectively. Water δ18O allowed us to follow the mixing of subsurface water with surface water. Dissolved organic nitrogen and organic carbon of fine sediment increased by 20–30% between rural and periurban subsurface waters in the cold season, under high flow. The highest nitrate levels were observed in rural subsurface waters in the cold season. The lowest nitrate levels were found in periurban subsurface waters in the warm season, under low flow. They corresponded to slow exchange of subsurface waters with channel water. Thus reduced exchange between surface and subsurface waters and organic-matter-rich input seemed to favor nitrate reduction in the downstream, periurban, subsurface waters impacted by CSO.

scholarly journals How effective is river restoration in re-establishing groundwater–surface water interactions? – A case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 2663-2672 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-M. Kurth ◽  
C. Weber ◽  
M. Schirmer
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
River Restoration ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Urban Stream ◽  
Distributed Temperature Sensing ◽  
River Bed ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Restoration Measures

Abstract. In this study, we investigated whether river restoration was successful in re-establishing groundwater–surface water interactions in a degraded urban stream. Restoration measures included morphological changes to the river bed, such as the installation of gravel islands and spur dykes, as well as the planting of site-specific riparian vegetation. Standard distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and novel active and passive DTS approaches were employed to study groundwater–surface water interactions in two reference streams and an experimental reach of an urban stream before and after its restoration. Radon-222 analyses were utilized to validate the losing stream conditions of the urban stream in the experimental reach. Our results indicated that river restoration at the study site was indeed successful in increasing groundwater–surface water interactions. Increased surface water downwelling occurred locally at the tip of a gravel island created during river restoration. Hence, the installation of in-stream structures increased the vertical connectivity and thus groundwater–surface water interactions. With the methods presented in this publication, it would be possible to routinely investigate the success of river restorations in re-establishing vertical connectivity, thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of specific restoration measures. This, in turn, would enable the optimization of future river restoration projects, rendering them more cost-effective and successful.

scholarly journals Predicting photosynthesis and transpiration responses to ozone: decoupling modeled photosynthesis and stomatal conductance

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 3113-3130 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Lombardozzi ◽  
S. Levis ◽  
G. Bonan ◽  
J. P. Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Stomatal Conductance ◽  
Primary Productivity ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Community Land Model ◽  
Climate Regulation ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Tulip Poplar

Abstract. Plants exchange greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and water with the atmosphere through the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration, making them essential in climate regulation. Carbon dioxide and water exchange are typically coupled through the control of stomatal conductance, and the parameterization in many models often predict conductance based on photosynthesis values. Some environmental conditions, like exposure to high ozone (O3) concentrations, alter photosynthesis independent of stomatal conductance, so models that couple these processes cannot accurately predict both. The goals of this study were to test direct and indirect photosynthesis and stomatal conductance modifications based on O3 damage to tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) in a coupled Farquhar/Ball-Berry model. The same modifications were then tested in the Community Land Model (CLM) to determine the impacts on gross primary productivity (GPP) and transpiration at a constant O3 concentration of 100 parts per billion (ppb). Modifying the Vcmax parameter and directly modifying stomatal conductance best predicts photosynthesis and stomatal conductance responses to chronic O3 over a range of environmental conditions. On a global scale, directly modifying conductance reduces the effect of O3 on both transpiration and GPP compared to indirectly modifying conductance, particularly in the tropics. The results of this study suggest that independently modifying stomatal conductance can improve the ability of models to predict hydrologic cycling, and therefore improve future climate predictions.

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