use of GIS to assess groundwater recharge in the Texas High Plains

Sarah Davidson

GIS in Water Resources

Dr. David Maidment

November 29, 2007

hypothesis

Generally available spatial datasets can be used with ArcGIS to estimate the spatial distribution of groundwater recharge rates.

research needs

methods for• estimating groundwater recharge• characterizing groundwater systems in

data-poor areas• linking land and water management

recharge in the High Plains

R = P + I - E - T - Ro

controlled by• topography• soils• vegetation• climate• land use

topography

10-meter National Elevation Dataset (DEMs)

vegetation

National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP)

soils

Soil Survey Spatial and Tabular Data (SSURGO)

climate

National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)

land use

National Land Cover Dataset (NCDC)

future work

integrate point recharge estimates

calculate recharge volume

incorporate temporal variability

and vadose zone thickness

Thanks!