A critical assessment of simple recharge models: application to the UK Chalk

Abstract

Abstract. A framework for the rigorous quantification of the timing and magnitude of groundwater recharge is proposed. This involves developing a physically based model for the flow processes in the unsaturated and saturated zones that is consistent with the conceptualisation of the system, and with field observations. Subsequently, the essential behaviour of this model is emulated using a simpler model that can be applied within operational groundwater models. We take a UK Chalk aquifer as a case study. Flow processes are simulated convincingly using a dual permeability, equivalent continuum, Richards' equation model, applied to a 2-D hillslope transect along which four monitoring wells recorded water levels in the unconfined aquifer. A simple conventional recharge model that has been widely used was calibrated to reproduce the water table response simulated by the physically based model. The performance in reproducing the water table was surprisingly good, given the known discrepancies between the actual processes and the model representation. However, comparisons of recharge fluxes simulated by each model highlighted problems with the recharge processes in the simple model. Specifically, artificial bypass flow events during the summer were compensating for recharge that should have come from slow, continual drainage of the unsaturated zone. Such a model may still be useful for assessment of groundwater resources on a monthly basis, under non-extreme climatic conditions. However, under extreme wet or dry conditions, or under a changed climate the predictive capacity of such models is likely to be inadequate.