Integrated modelling of groundwater-surface water interactions in the Great Lakes basin

Session: 36. - Improving Model Predictions through Coupled System and Data Assimilation

Elisha Persaud, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Jana Levison , University of Guelph, [email protected]
Scott MacRitchie, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]

Abstract

The interdependency of groundwater and surface water systems, and the complex behaviour of these systems in response to changing climate, necessitates the examination of surface and subsurface processes as a single entity. HydroGeoSphere, an integrated numerical model, is used to provide an improved realization of groundwater–surface water dynamics under historic and simulated, future climate conditions in the Upper Parkhill Watershed, in southwestern Ontario, Canada (jurisdiction of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority). This watershed represents a water stressed, agricultural setting with hydrogeological characteristics that are typical to that encountered in the Great Lakes Basin. The constructed numerical model is supported in part by continuous data collected from an Integrated Water and Climate Monitoring Station on Parkhill Creek, which features measurements such as soil moisture, groundwater level, and solar radiation. Additional hydrological characterization, including a sampling program for groundwater tracers (e.g. electrical conductivity and 222-Radon) and stable isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H), will be used in the evaluation of model performance. Results from this project will identify model inputs, including climate parameters, of greatest importance with regards to the behaviour of groundwater–surface water interactions and may also be used to support improved water management practices and climate change adaptation strategies. 

1. Keyword
modeling

2. Keyword
climate change

3. Keyword
Great Lakes basin

4. Additional Keyword
groundwater-surface water interactions