Application of WSR-88D Precipitation Estimates to Shallow Groundwater Recharge in Complex Terrains
Monday, May 5, 2014
Andrew M. Worsley, Student
,
Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Bruce W. Byars
,
Center for Spatial Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Gregory R. Patrick
,
Weather Forecast Office, National Weather Service, Fort Worth, TX
Joe C. Yelderman Jr., Ph.D.
,
Geology, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Stephanie S. Wong
,
Geology Department, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Quantifying shallow groundwater recharge in complex terrains is challenging from the standpoint of local variations in rainfall, runoff, and infiltration. Variability of terrain, vegetation, land cover, soils, and aquifer characteristics can mean that recharge rates are easily over- or underestimated using average rainfall amounts even in small watersheds. The use of radar-derived rainfall estimates from the National Weather Service’s Weather Surveillance Radar–1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) can provide critical information on the spatial distribution of rainfall. The radar-derived estimates, including those from the new dual-polarization rainfall algorithm, provide new opportunities to assess rainfall-recharge relationships. The goal of this research is to evaluate the role of WSR-88D rainfall estimates in refining recharge estimates for shallow aquifers with complex heterogeneity. Two shallow groundwater systems in central Texas have been chosen to assess the importance of spatially referenced precipitation in estimating shallow aquifer recharge. The Brazos River Alluvium Aquifer is a direct recharge aquifer system with heterogeneous soils and sediments that are sensitive to areal precipitation and complex land use patterns. The northern segment of the Edwards Balcones Fault Zone Aquifer is a karst aquifer that is sensitive to local precipitation on specific recharge features. WSR-88D rainfall estimates will be calibrated using rain gauge networks, while recharge estimates will be calibrated with spring flow, stream flow, and groundwater levels. Compared with data using only rain gauges, radar-derived rainfall estimates using WSR-88D provide more data on spatial distribution of rainfall that can enhance recharge estimates for shallow groundwater systems.
Andrew M. Worsley, Student, Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Andrew Worsley is a graduate student at Baylor University working toward his M.S. in Environmental Science. He is currently serving as an intern for the Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and his research interests include water resources and GIS applications.
Bruce W. Byars, Center for Spatial Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Bruce Byars is the director of the Center for Spatial Research at Baylor University. CSR is involved in a wide variety of interdisciplinary research projects in water resources and environmental science including model development and visualization. His primary interests are hydrometeorology, water supply, and the development of spatial models.
Gregory R. Patrick, Weather Forecast Office, National Weather Service, Fort Worth, TX
Gregory Patrick is a meteorologist serving as the Science and Operations Officer at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas. The Fort Worth Forecast Office has weather warning and forecast responsibility for 46 counties in north and central Texas. Patrick is responsible for meteorologist training, intern professional development, and overseeing warning and forecast operations. His primary interests include severe weather forecasting, radar and mesoscale meteorology, and all aspects of operational weather forecasting.
Joe C. Yelderman Jr., Ph.D., Geology, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Joe Yelderman is a Professor of Geology at Baylor University
Stephanie S. Wong, Geology Department, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Stephanie Wong has a B.S. in environmental science from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario and an M.S. in geology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is continuing her studies and pursuing a Ph.D. in geology with a hydrogeology focus at Baylor University. Her primary interest is water resources and management in developing countries.
