Continuous and event-based time series analysis of observed floodplain groundwater flow under contrasting land-use types.

ABSTRACT

There is an ongoing need to improve quantitative understanding of land-use impacts on floodplain groundwater flow regimes. A study was implemented in Hinkson Creek Watershed, Missouri, USA, including equidistant grids of nine piezometers, equipped with pressure transducers, which were installed at two floodplain study sites a remnant bottomland hardwood forest (BHF) and a historical agricultural field (Ag). Data were logged at thirty minute intervals for the duration of the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 water years (October 1, 2010-September 30, 2014). Results show significant (p<0.001) differences between Darcy-estimated groundwater flow at the two study sites. Although median flow values at the two sites were similar (0.009 and 0.010mday(-1) for the Ag and BHF sites, respectively), the BHF displayed a more dynamic flow regime compared to the Ag site. Maximum flow values were 0.020 and 0.049mday(-1) for the Ag and BHF sites, respectively. Minimum flow values were -0.018 and -0.029mday(-1) for the Ag and BHF sites, respectively. The BHF showed greater magnitude, longer duration, and more frequent negative flows, relative to the Ag site. Event-based analyses indicated a more seasonally responsive flow regime at the BHF, with higher flows than the Ag site during the wet season and lower flows than the Ag site during the dry season. Notably, the seasonal pattern of relative site flow differences was consistent across a wide range of precipitation event magnitudes (i.e. 8-45mm). Results are by majority attributable to greater rates of plant water use by woody vegetation and preferential subsurface flow at the BHF site. Collectively, results suggest greater flood attenuation capacity and streamwater buffering potential by the BHF floodplain, relative to the Ag, and highlight the value of floodplain forests as a land and water resource management tool.