Recharge estimation and soil moisture dynamics in a Mediterranean, semi-arid karst region

• DOI: 10.5194/hess-19-1439-2015
• Publication Date: 2015-03-20T15:34:16Z
• Authors: F. Ries; J. Lange; S. Schmidt; H. Puhlmann; M. Sauter
• Keywords: Infiltration (HVAC)

Abstract. Knowledge of soil moisture dynamics in the unsaturated zone provides valuable information on temporal and spatial variability groundwater recharge. This is especially true for Mediterranean region, where a substantial fraction long-term recharge expected to occur during high magnitude precipitation events above-average wet winters. To elucidate process understanding infiltration processes these extreme events, monitoring network gauges, meteorological stations, plots was installed an area with steep climatic gradient Jordan Valley region. In three plots, Hydrus-1D used simulate water movement hydraulic parameters estimated by Shuffled Complex Evolution Metropolis algorithm. generalize our results, we modified depth rainfall input effect pronounced percolation fluxes applied calibrated model time series 62 years data. Soil measurements showed seasonality suggested rapid heavy rainstorms. successfully simulated short patterns, majority deep occurring few intensive events. Temperature drops nearby well were observed synchronously pulses, indicating mechanisms. The 62-year run yielded annual up 66% depths 0% dry years. Furthermore, dependence distribution could be shown. Strong correlations between also observed.