Groundwater exhibits spatially opposing trends during the Australian Millennium Drought

• DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad521d
• Publication Date: 2024-05-30T22:23:45Z
• Authors: Yuyin Chen; Yongqiang Zhang; Jing Tian; Vahid Nourani; Ning Ma; Xuanze Zhang; Zhenwu Xu; Qi Huang; Zixuan Tang; Haoshan Wei; Xuening Yang
• Keywords: Land Cover

Abstract The adverse impacts of Australia’s Millennium Drought on both surface and groundwater hydrological systems are extensively documented. During the Drought, Murray Basin experienced a severe rainfall deficit. Our study revisited table trends in 451 wells within during drought from 1997 to 2009. These varied, 70% showed significant downward shifts, 19% were insignificant, 11% even displayed upward trends. results K -means clustering analysis indicate markedly slow recuperation levels post-drought. We used multiple regression models link interannual dynamics with climate variables, revealing as primary driver declining levels. This connection is influenced by land cover thickness vadose zone, resulting hysteresis effects spatial variations. In cases thick zone minimal evapotranspiration, influence system reduced. increasing may also be related lateral recharge mountainous areas, human activities adjacent irrigation districts, east-west geostress. findings reveal complex interactions between climate, characteristics, behavior after holding implications for understanding processes under extreme conditions sustainable management water resources.