Journal Article

PreJuSER-8984

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Groundwater recharge rates for regional groundwater modelling: a case study using GROWA in the Lower Rhine lignite mining area, Germany

Herrmann, F. ; Jahnke, C. ; Jenn, F. ; Kunkel, R.FZJ* ; Voigt, H.-J.FZJ* ; Wendland, F.FZJ*

2009
Springer Berlin

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s10040-009-0493-4

Abstract: Groundwater recharge rates calculated with the GROWA model have been applied as the recharge boundary condition for the regional groundwater model Rurscholle. This model simulates groundwater dynamics in the Pleistocene aquifers of the Lower Rhine lignite mining area (Germany). GROWA uses an area-differentiated approach to calculate recharge rates depending on runoff-relevant site characteristics, which are represented by a set of baseflow indices. The regional accuracy of the coupled groundwater and GROWA models has been checked using groundwater hydrographs as validation criteria. The results suggest that the current (unadjusted) version of GROWA underestimates the regional groundwater recharge rate by 10-20 mm/yr. The comparative analysis identified areas where recharge calculations could be improved by adjusting the baseflow indices for areas where runoff is dominated by slope, low water-logging and a low degree of sealing. Using the adjusted set of baseflow indices, the mean groundwater recharge rate of the Rurscholle region was modelled as approx. 170 mm/yr. This study highlights the benefit of using a coupled approach and being able to independently calibrate and validate groundwater recharge boundary conditions in regional groundwater models.

Keyword(s): J ; Groundwater recharge/water budget (auto) ; Mining (auto) ; Numerical modeling (auto) ; GROWA (auto) ; Germany (auto)

Note: The results presented here were obtained in the framework of a collaborative project of Research Centre Julich, RWE Power AG in Cologne and the Brandenburg University of Technology in Cottbus. We sincerely thank all persons and institutions who provided us with the extensive data. The reviewers and editors of this article are also acknowledged for good and constructive comments.

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Research Program(s):

1. Terrestrische Umwelt (P24)

Appears in the scientific report 2009

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Database coverage:
JCR ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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