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Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
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Simulating the effect of climate extremes on groundwater flow through a lakebed
Makhan L Virdi1, Terrie M Lee, Amy Swancar
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Ground Water
|August 16, 2012
Summary
Groundwater and lake interactions during climate extremes are complex. This study reveals how changing lake size and flow patterns impact water levels, crucial for environmental management.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
Background:
- Lake levels are influenced by groundwater exchange, especially during climate extremes.
- Simulating these dynamic interactions, including changing lake morphology, is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a novel conceptual approach for simulating atypical groundwater-lake interactions under climatic extremes.
- To better understand daily lake volume and three-dimensional variably saturated groundwater flow responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MODFLOW-2005 and a kinematic-wave approximation for variably saturated flow.
- Simulated daily groundwater interactions for a decade in a calibrated Florida lake basin.
- Incorporated dynamic changes in lake size and position.
Main Results:
- Nearly 70% of lakebed area and 75% of shoreline experienced both inflow and leakage under extreme climate conditions.
- A flow-through pattern dominated (73% of the decade), causing net lake leakage 80% of the time.
- Pumping during dry extremes led to leakage from over 90% of the lakebed area.
Conclusions:
- Groundwater dynamics significantly influence lake levels, particularly during climate extremes.
- Dynamic lakebed conditions and flow patterns are critical for accurate hydrological modeling.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for effective water resource management and environmental protection.
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