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Estimation of groundwater storage loss using surface-subsurface hydrologic modeling in an irrigated agricultural region

  • 0Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA. salam.a.abbas@colostate.edu.
Scientific Reports +

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March 12, 2025

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March 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Groundwater levels are declining in the Mississippi alluvial plain due to irrigation demands. This study quantifies these long-term changes in groundwater storage and fluxes, highlighting the need for local management solutions.

Area Of Science

  • Hydrology
  • Hydrogeology
  • Water Resource Management

Background

  • Agricultural irrigation in the Mississippi alluvial plain (MAP) significantly impacts groundwater resources.
  • Long-term groundwater-level declines have been observed in the MAP due to extensive irrigation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To quantify long-term changes in groundwater storage within the MAP using a hydrologic model.
  • To analyze trends in groundwater head, recharge, and discharge under various climatic conditions.

Main Methods

  • Utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) hydrologic model with the gwflow module.
  • Simulated groundwater storage and surface water interactions in a physically based, spatially distributed manner.
  • Applied linear quantile regression for trend analysis from 1982-2020 for wet, dry, and average conditions.

Main Results

  • Significant decline trends in groundwater head were observed across all conditions (-18.0 to -28.0 mm/yr).
  • Dry conditions showed significant declines in recharge (-5.5 mm/yr) and groundwater discharge (-5.5 mm/yr).
  • Average conditions indicated decreases in recharge (-6 mm/yr) and groundwater discharge (-9.3 mm/yr).

Conclusions

  • Groundwater resources in the MAP are under significant stress due to irrigation demands.
  • Long-term trends indicate substantial declines in groundwater levels and fluxes.
  • Local management strategies are crucial for sustainable groundwater resource management in the MAP.

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