Quantitative Evaluation of Groundwater–Surface Water Interactions: Application of Cumulative Exchange Fluxes Method

Abstract

Interactions between groundwater and surface water (GW-SW interactions) play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle; thus, the quantification of GW-SW interactions is essential. In this study, a cumulative exchange fluxes method based on mass balance theory is proposed for a stream-aquifer system. This method determines the curve of cumulative fluxes through the water balance term, which can characterize GW-SW interactions, determine the amount of exchange fluxes, and reveal the dynamic process of interactions. This method is used in a reach of the Taizi River Basin, and the GW-SW interactions observed in 2016 are categorized into seven stages and four types (natural controlled, reservoir and irrigation controlled, irrigation controlled, and irrigation hysteresis type). The natural recharge in the study reach is approximately 3.03 × 105 m3·day−1, and the increase caused by irrigation is 7.8–13.87 × 105 m3·day−1. After the irrigation stops, the impact can be sustained for 48 d with an increase of 3.03 × 105 m3·day−1. The most influential factor of the results is the runoff coefficient. The method is applicable to the stream in the plains with upstream and downstream flow monitoring data and can be used to analyze complex GW-SW interactions under the conditions of reservoir storage and agricultural irrigation. The analysis results will provide guidance for the other study of GW-SW interactions in this reach.