Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
07:21
Measurements of Soil Water Potential and Conductivity based on a Simple Evaporation Experiment using a Hydraulic Property Analyzer
Published on: August 9, 2024
Relationships between water table and model simulated ET
Priyantha Jayakody1, Prem B Parajuli, Gretchen F Sassenrath
1Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762.
Ground Water
|April 16, 2013
Summary
This study modeled water table changes in the Big Sunflower River watershed, finding key relationships between evapotranspiration, percolation, and groundwater discharge. These findings help identify areas of groundwater overuse for better water resource management.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Water Resource Management
- Environmental Modeling
Background:
- The Lower Mississippi River alluvial plain faces water resource challenges.
- Understanding groundwater dynamics is crucial for sustainable water management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish relationships between evapotranspiration (ET), percolation (PERC), groundwater discharge (GWQ), and water table fluctuations.
- To develop a predictive model for water table variations.
- To identify areas of potential groundwater overuse.
Main Methods:
- Application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic and crop models.
- Calibration and validation of the SWAT model for the Big Sunflower River watershed (BSRW).
- Development of an empirical relationship to predict water table fluctuations.
Main Results:
- The SWAT model demonstrated good to very good performance (R(2) and NSE from 0.4 to 0.9).
- An empirical model successfully predicted 64% of the water table variation.
- Thematic maps highlighted areas experiencing significant groundwater depletion.
Conclusions:
- The developed modeling approach effectively links key hydrological processes to water table dynamics.
- The findings provide valuable insights for watershed managers to implement targeted water resource programs.
- Identifying groundwater overuse areas is essential for ensuring long-term water sustainability.
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