Effects of Changing Meteoric Precipitation Patterns on Groundwater Temperature in Karst Environments

Climate predictions indicate that precipitation patterns will change and average air temperatures will increase across much of the planet. These changes will alter surface water and groundwater temperatures which can significantly affect the local and regional environment. Here, we examine the role...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ground water 2017-03, Vol.55 (2), p.227-236
Main Authors: Brookfield, A.E., Macpherson, G.L., Covington, M.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquifers
Groundwater
Kansas
Precipitation
Seasons
Temperature
Water Movements
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Summary:Climate predictions indicate that precipitation patterns will change and average air temperatures will increase across much of the planet. These changes will alter surface water and groundwater temperatures which can significantly affect the local and regional environment. Here, we examine the role of precipitation timing in changes to groundwater temperature in carbonate‐karst aquifers using measured groundwater level and temperature data from the Konza Prairie Long‐Term Ecological Research Site, Kansas. We demonstrate that shifts to increased cool‐season precipitation may mitigate the increases in groundwater temperature produced by increases in average annual air temperature. In karst, the solution‐enlarged conduits allow faster and focused recharge, and the recharge‐event temperature can strongly influence the groundwater temperature in the aquifer. Our field data and analysis show that predictions of future groundwater conditions in karst aquifers need to consider changes in precipitation patterns, in addition to changes to average annual air temperature. Article impact statement: Increased cool‐season precipitation can reduce groundwater temperatures in karst areas, mitigating the effects of increased air temperature.
ISSN:0017-467X
1745-6584
DOI:10.1111/gwat.12456