scholarly journals An ice core derived 1013-year catchment scale annual rainfall reconstruction in subtropical eastern Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 12483-12514 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Tozer ◽  
T. R. Vance ◽  
J. Roberts ◽  
A. S. Kiem ◽  
M. A. J. Curran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Hydroclimatic Variability

Abstract. Paleoclimate research indicates that the instrumental climate record (~100 years in Australia) does not cover the full range of hydroclimatic variability possible. To better understand the implications of this for catchment-scale water resources management, an annual rainfall reconstruction is produced for the Williams River catchment in coastal eastern Australia. No high resolution palaeoclimate proxies are located in the region and so a teleconnection between summer sea salt deposition recorded in ice cores from East Antarctica and rainfall variability in eastern Australia was exploited to reconstruct 1013 years of rainfall (AD 1000–2012). The reconstruction shows that significantly longer and more frequent wet and dry periods were experienced in the preinstrumental compared to the instrumental period. This suggests that existing drought and flood risk assessments underestimate the true risks due to the reliance on data and statistics obtained from only the instrumental record. This raises questions about the robustness of existing water security and flood protection measures and has serious implications for water resources management, infrastructure design, and catchment planning. The method used in this proof of concept study is transferable and enables similar insights into the true risk of flood/drought to be gained for other locations that are teleconnected to East Antarctica. This will lead to improved understanding and ability to deal with the impacts of multidecadal to centennial hydroclimatic variability.

scholarly journals An ice core derived 1013-year catchment-scale annual rainfall reconstruction in subtropical eastern Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1703-1717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly R. Tozer ◽  
Tessa R. Vance ◽  
Jason L. Roberts ◽  
Anthony S. Kiem ◽  
Mark A. J. Curran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Hydroclimatic Variability

Abstract. Paleoclimate research indicates that the Australian instrumental climate record (∼ 100 years) does not cover the full range of hydroclimatic variability that is possible. To better understand the implications of this on catchment-scale water resources management, a 1013-year (1000–2012 common era (CE)) annual rainfall reconstruction was produced for the Williams River catchment in coastal eastern Australia. No high-resolution paleoclimate proxies are located in the region and so a teleconnection between summer sea salt deposition recorded in ice cores from East Antarctica and rainfall variability in eastern Australia was exploited to reconstruct the catchment-scale rainfall record. The reconstruction shows that significantly longer and more frequent wet and dry periods were experienced in the preinstrumental compared to the instrumental period. This suggests that existing drought and flood risk assessments underestimate the true risks due to the reliance on data and statistics obtained from only the instrumental record. This raises questions about the robustness of existing water security and flood protection measures and has serious implications for water resources management, infrastructure design and catchment planning. The method used in this proof of concept study is transferable and enables similar insights into the true risk of flood/drought to be gained for other paleoclimate proxy poor regions for which suitable remote teleconnected proxies exist. This will lead to improved understanding and ability to deal with the impacts of multi-decadal to centennial hydroclimatic variability.

scholarly journals Vulnerability of Calabar Rainfall to Climatic Variability Events: A Critical Factor in Integrated Water Resources Management in the Tropical Coastal Location in Southeastern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Solomon O. Amadi ◽  
Mfongang E. Agbor ◽  
Sunday O. Udo
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Dry Spell

In this study, Calabar annual total rainfall was analysed for trend and climatic variability events with focus on drought occurrence. Monthly rainfall data from in situ measurements over a 41 year period (1972-2012) were used for the study. Standard tests were used to evaluate the trends and variability in annual rainfall. Rainfall variability was estimated as standardized rainfall departures and used to identify and delimitate the dry and wet spell sequences of Calabar rainfall. The rainfall series were analysed for Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) using SPSS Version 17 software. The least squares regression plot was executed using Excel 2010 to depict the trend, variability and regression parameters. The average annual rainfall for Calabar is 2984.64 mm with standard deviation of 394.9 mm. 36.59% of the period showed positive SPI while 63.41 % of the period indicated negative SPI values. Wet spell dominated the later part of the period but sandwiched with dry spells whereas dry spell were dominant from 1972 to 1994. The area experienced a non-significant upward trend of 15.21 mm per year over the interval. The SPI values indicate that Calabar experienced distinct inter-annual rainfall cycles that represent mild to extreme droughts and wet spells which are a demonstration of consequential annual rainfall variability. The results underscore the need for effective monitoring of Calabar rainfall for prompt warnings and responses that would guarantee effective risk reduction and management in the run-in to the occurrence of the extreme events. The paper further highlights the need for data-driven approach to policy making in water resources management. This would provide a fascinating insight into the improvement in long-term water resources management in the city and its suburbs.

scholarly journals Establishment of a catchment monitoring network through a participatory approach in a small rural catchment in South Africa

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 3793-3837 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. Kongo ◽  
J. R. Kosgei ◽  
G. P. W. Jewitt ◽  
S. A. Lorentz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Hydrological Monitoring

Abstract. The establishment of a catchment monitoring network is a process, from the inception of the idea to its implementation, the latter being the construction of relevant gauging structures and installation of the various instruments. It is useful that the local communities and other stakeholders are involved and participate in such a process as was realised during the establishment of the hydrological monitoring network in the Potshini catchment in the Bergville district in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. The paper illustrates the participatory application of various methods and techniques for establishing a hydrological monitoring network, in a small rural inhabited catchment, to monitor hydrological processes at both field and catchment scale for research purposes in water resources management. The authors conclude that the participation of the local community and other stakeholders in catchment monitoring and instilling the sense of ownership and management of natural resources to the local communities needs to be encouraged at all times. Success stories in water resources management by local communities can be realized if such a process is integrated with other development plans in the catchment at all forums with due recognition of the social dynamics of the communities living in the catchment.

scholarly journals Establishment of a catchment monitoring network through a participatory approach in a rural community in South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 2507-2525 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. Kongo ◽  
J. R. Kosgei ◽  
G. P. W. Jewitt ◽  
S. A. Lorentz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Hydrological Processes ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Hydrological Monitoring

Abstract. The establishment of a catchment monitoring network is a process, from the inception of the idea to its implementation, the latter being the construction of relevant gauging structures and installation of the various instruments. It is useful that the local communities and other stakeholders are involved and participate in such a process, as was highlighted during the establishment of the hydrological monitoring network in the Potshini catchment in Bergville District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The paper highlights the participatory establishment of a hydrological monitoring network in a small rural inhabited catchment, in line with the overall objective of the Smallholder System Innovations (SSI) research programme, to monitor hydrological processes at both field and catchment scale for water resources management research purposes. The engagement and participation of the Potshini community precipitated a learning opportunity for both the researchers and the local community on (i) the understanding of hydrological processes inherent in the catchment (ii) appreciating the inherent dynamics in establishing a catchment monitoring network in the midst of a community (iii) paradigm shift on how to engage different stakeholders at different levels of participation. The participatory engagement in the monitoring process led to appreciation and uptake of some of the research results by the Potshini community and ensured continued support from all stakeholders. This paper is of the view that the participation of the local community and other stakeholders in catchment monitoring and instilling a sense of ownership and management of natural resources to the local communities needs to be encouraged at all times. Success stories in water resources management by local communities can be realized if such a process is integrated with other development plans in the catchment at all forums, with due recognition of the social dynamics of the communities living in the catchment.

scholarly journals Analysis of Vulnerability of Calabar Rainfall to Climatic Variability Events: A Critical Factor in Integrated Water Resources Management in the Tropical Coastal Location in Southeastern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Solomon O. Amadi ◽  
Mfongang E. Agbor ◽  
Sunday O. Udo
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Dry Spell

In this study, Calabar annual total rainfall was analysed for trend and climatic variability events with focus on drought occurrence. Monthly rainfall data from in situ measurements over a 41-year period (1972-2012) were used for the study. Standard tests were used to evaluate the trends and variability in annual rainfall. Rainfall variability was estimated as standardized rainfall departures and used to identify and delimitate the dry and wet spell sequences of Calabar rainfall. The rainfall series were analysed for Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) using SPSS Version 17 software. The least squares regression plot was executed using Excel 2010 to depict the trend, variability and regression parameters. The average annual rainfall for Calabar is 2984.64 mm with standard deviation of 394.9 mm. 36.59% of the period showed positive SPI while 63.41% of the period indicated negative SPI values. Wet spell dominated the later part of the period but sandwiched with dry spells whereas dry spell was dominant from 1972 to 1994. The area experienced a non-significant upward trend of 15.21 mm per year over the interval. The SPI values indicate that Calabar experienced distinct inter-annual rainfall cycles that represent mild to extreme droughts and wet spells which are a demonstration of consequential annual rainfall variability. The results underscore the need for effective monitoring of Calabar rainfall for prompt warnings and responses that would guarantee effective risk reduction and management in the run-in to the occurrence of the extreme events. The paper further highlights the need for data-driven approach to policy making in water resources management. This would provide a fascinating insight into the improvement in long-term water resources management in the city and its suburbs.

scholarly journals Impact of Infiltration Process Modeling on Runoff Simulations: The Bonis River Basin

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 638
Author(s):  
Giovanni Ravazzani ◽  
Tommaso Caloiero ◽  
Mouna Feki ◽  
Gaetano Pellicone
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Integrated Water Resources Management ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Mountain Area ◽  
Resources Management

Integrated water resources management at the catchment scale, considering the full water cycle as manageable, is a primary approach to improve water use efficiency and promote sustainable water management solutions. To this purpose, advanced modelling tools are required to quantify the physical and economic effects of alternative land management options. This work presents an application of a spatially distributed physically based hydrological model to the Bonis experimental watershed located in the mountain area of Sila Greca (southern Italy). Different infiltration models were tested to better reproduce discharge observations at basin outlet. The model will be used for evaluating different land use/management scenarios, combined with climate change forcing, to quantify the effect of alternative management options on the land-water cycle. This work is part of the INNOMED project (Innovative Options for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Mediterranean) funded by ERA-NET COFUND WATERWORKS 2015 call.

scholarly journals Groundwater-surface water interactions, vegetation dependencies and implications for water resources management in the semi-arid Hailiutu River catchment, China – A synthesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 13251-13290
Author(s):  
Y. Zhou ◽  
J. Wenninger ◽  
Z. Yang ◽  
L. Yin ◽  
J. Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Sustainable Water Resources Management ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Willow Trees

Abstract. During the last decades, large scale land use changes took place in the Hailiutu River catchment, a semi-arid area in northwest China. These changes had significant impacts on the water resources in the area. Insights into groundwater and surface water interactions and vegetation-water dependencies help to understand these impacts and formulate sustainable water resources management policies. In this study, groundwater and surface water interactions were identified using the baseflow index at the catchment scale, and hydraulic and temperature methods as well as event hydrograph separation techniques at the sub-catchment scale. The results show that almost 88% of the river discharge consists of groundwater. Vegetation dependencies on groundwater were analyzed from the relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and groundwater depth at the catchment scale and along an ecohydrogeological cross-section, and by measuring the sap flow of different plants, soil water contents and groundwater levels at different research sites. The results show that all vegetation types, i.e. trees (willow (Salix matsudana) and poplar (Populus simonii)), bushes (salix (Salix psammophila)) and agricultural crops (maize (Zea mays)), depend on groundwater as the dominant water source for transpiration. The comparative analysis indicates that maize crops use the largest amount of water, followed by poplar trees, salix bushes, and willow trees. For sustainable water use with the objective of satisfying water demand for socio-economical development and to prevent desertification, more water use efficient crops such as sorghum, barley and millet should be promoted to reduce the consumptive water use for irrigation. Willow trees should be used as wind-breaks in croplands and along roads, and dry resistant and less water use intensive plants (for instance native bushes) should be used to vegetate sand dunes.

scholarly journals Comparison of published palaeoclimate records suitable for reconstructing annual to sub-decadal hydroclimatic variability in eastern Australia: implications for water resource management and planning

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna L. Flack ◽  
Anthony S. Kiem ◽  
Tessa R. Vance ◽  
Carly R. Tozer ◽  
Jason L. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Instrumental Period ◽  
Hydroclimatic Variability ◽  
Instrumental Records

Abstract. Knowledge of past, current and future hydroclimatic risk is of great importance. However, like many other countries, Australia's observed hydroclimate records are at best only ~ 120 years long (i.e. from ~ 1900 to present) but are typically less than ~ 50 years long. Therefore, recent research has focused on developing longer hydroclimate records based on palaeoclimate information from a variety of different sources. Here we review and compare the insights emerging from 11 published palaeoclimate records that are relevant to annual to sub-decadal hydroclimatic variability in eastern Australia over the last ~ 1000 years. The sources of palaeoclimate information include ice cores, tree rings, cave deposits and lake sediment deposits. The published palaeoclimate information was then analysed to determine when (and where) there was agreement (or uncertainty) about the timing of wet and dry epochs in the pre-instrumental period (1000–1899). The occurrence, frequency, duration and spatial extent of pre-instrumental wet and dry epochs was then compared to wet and dry epochs since 1900. The results show that instrumental records (~ 1900–present) underestimate (or at least misrepresent) the full range of rainfall variability that has occurred, and is possible, in eastern Australia. Even more disturbing is the suggestion, based on insights from the published palaeoclimate data analysed, that 71 % of the pre-instrumental period appears to have no equivalent in the instrumental period. This implies that the majority of the past 1000 years was unlike anything encountered in the period that informs water infrastructure, planning and policy in Australia. A case study, using a typical water storage reservoir in eastern Australia, demonstrates that current water resource infrastructure and management strategies would not cope under the range of pre-instrumental conditions that this study suggests has occurred. When coupled with projected impacts of climate change and growing demands, these results highlight some major challenges for water resource management and infrastructure. Though our case study location is eastern Australia, these challenges, and the limitations associated with current methods that depend on instrumental records that are too short to realistically characterise interannual to multidecadal variability, also apply globally.

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