Landscape Water Management Could Enhance Groundwater and Stream Flows
Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research have investigated methods for storing stream water in aquifers during periods of high flow. Utilizing a computer model and focusing on an area within the lower Spree catchment in Brandenburg, the team demonstrated how naturally occurring basins could capture excess stream water. This process would allow water to slowly infiltrate the ground, thereby stabilizing groundwater levels and connected surface water bodies. Calculations from the model indicated potential local groundwater level increases of up to 2 meters and an increase in water flow within connected streams by up to 15%.
Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research have explored how directing water flows within a landscape can support groundwater and surface water streams.
The study investigated the potential for storing excess water from streams in the aquifer during wet periods. Using a computer model, the research team focused on an example area located in the lower Spree catchment in Brandenburg.
The model demonstrated that naturally occurring small basins present in the landscape could be utilized to absorb surplus stream water. This absorption would facilitate a slow seepage of water into the ground, a process intended to stabilize both groundwater levels and connected surface water bodies.
According to the calculations derived from the computer model, this approach could lead to a localized increase in groundwater levels of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet). Furthermore, the water flow in streams connected to these systems could see an increase of up to 15%.
The findings of this investigation were published in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies. (Source: Phys.org)
