Groundwater Recharge Estimation using Physical-Based Modeling

Abstract

This chapter shows how data from a low cost remote sensor weather station with additional soil moisture and soil temperature sensor measurements from a short-term observation period can be used for robust recharge predictions. Groundwater protection strategies are conventionally based on the assessment of aquifer and well vulnerability. The hydrogeological characteristics of a specific groundwater supply system are quantified through the consideration of the intrinsic physical characteristics of the subsurface materials. Seasonal climatic variability produces extreme changes in both the spatial and temporal distribution of recharge. In order to determine reliable recharge estimations using physical-based vadose zone modeling, accurate weather, vegetation, and soil data, such as soil temperature and soil water content are needed. The sensitivity of the recharge and the soil moisture content were evaluated, which were the actual calibration measures. As a consequence, the final calibration performance was much beyond the normal standard for vadose zone modeling.