From rain to groundwater: Refining recharge modelling at the regional scale
This project aims to develop existing modelling tools to better represent the spatio-temporal variability of recharge in wet, cold climates like that of southern Quebec.
Project details
Principal(s) investigator(s)
Context
Groundwater recharge consists of the portion of precipitation that reaches the aquifers and contributes to their renewal. This is a strategic variable in ensuring the sustainability of water resources. However, it remains difficult to estimate on a regional scale, and current models do not consider preferential recharge (a process caused by local geological heterogeneities that allows water to reach aquifers directly from the surface via preferential, rapid routes), or the effect of precipitation intensity on recharge. The lack of representation of these processes makes recharge estimates uncertain, complicating the planning of climate change adaptation.
This project is part of the QClim’Eau initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP) and Ouranos.
Objective(s)
The objective of this project is to improve the simulation of groundwater recharge at the regional scale. This will reduce the uncertainty associated with current and future estimates by explicitly incorporating preferential recharge processes and the effect of precipitation event intensity.
Methodology
The project is structured around three specific, complementary objectives aimed at improving the regional simulation of groundwater recharge in order to better understand past conditions so as to better anticipate future conditions. The watersheds of the Rivière du Nord and the Nicolet River will serve as case studies.
The three objectives are:
To identify and characterize the recharge signals observable at the regional scale from the available data
To develop an improved method for modelling groundwater recharge at the regional scale that includes preferential recharge processes
To assess the sensitivity of groundwater flows and contributions to river flows to changes in recharge in a future climate
Expected results
An improved recharge model (modified HydroBudget)
An enhanced, multi-criteria calibration approach and an optimized version of the groundwater level fluctuation recharge method integrated into the R rechaRge library
Regional MODFLOW model for the Rivière du Nord
Results reports and spatio-temporal maps of historical and future recharge
Production of robust recharge and flow scenarios
Scientific advances on the hydrological connectivity between groundwater and surface water
New characterization of the effects of more intense precipitation and preferential recharge processes on groundwater recharge
Presentations and workshops
Scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals
Benefits for adaptation
Benefits for adaptation
By improving the methodology to simulate recharge in a more representative way, the project will contribute to the development of knowledge that can be used to guide choices in land use planning, the protection of water resources, and adaptation planning.
Funding
Other participants
Janie Masse-Dufresne, ETS
Marie Larocque, UQAM
Philippe Lucas-Picher, UQAM
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