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Identifying hydrologically sensitive areas: bridging the gap between science and application.

Laura J Agnew1, Steve Lyon, Pierre Gérard-Marchant

  • 1Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701, USA.

Journal of Environmental Management
|September 20, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Identifying hydrologically sensitive areas (HSAs) is crucial for effective water quality protection. This study found the topographic index reliably predicts overland flow generation, improving nutrient management plans.

Area of Science:

  • Hydrology
  • Water Quality Management
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Background:

  • Current water quality strategies, such as nutrient management plans, lack robust hydrological data for pollutant transport.
  • Variable source area hydrology significantly influences runoff generation, particularly in the northeastern U.S.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a scientifically sound and computationally simple method for identifying overland flow generation zones.
  • To create a tool for incorporating hydrological sensitivity into existing water quality management frameworks.

Main Methods:

  • Tested the predictive power of 'distance from a stream' (D(s)) and the 'topographic index' (lambda) for identifying hydrologically sensitive areas (HSAs).
  • Defined HSAs based on the probability of generating runoff (P(sat)) derived from 30-year hydrological simulations.

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  • Utilized GIS to correlate P(sat) with D(s) and lambda across three watersheds in Delaware County, NY.

    • Main Results:

    • The topographic index demonstrated stronger and more consistent correlations with P(sat) compared to D(s).
    • Developed monthly equations linking lambda to P(sat) for estimating hydrological sensitivity in the study region.
    • The methodology is being integrated into an Internet Mapping System for accessible HSA identification.

    Conclusions:

    • The topographic index is a reliable predictor of overland flow generation and hydrological sensitivity.
    • The developed methodology offers a practical tool for enhancing nutrient management and water quality protection strategies.
    • This research facilitates improved water resource management through user-friendly identification of critical hydrological areas.