Journal Description
Hydrology
Hydrology
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on hydrology published monthly online by MDPI. The American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) and Japanese Society of Physical Hydrology (JSPH) are affiliated with Hydrology and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PubAg, GeoRef, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Earth-Surface Processes)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.2 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.1 (2022)
Latest Articles
A Thermal Regime and a Water Circulation in a Very Deep Lake: Lake Tazawa, Japan
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030040 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
A thermal system in the very deep Lake Tazawa (maximum depth, 423 m) was investigated by estimating the heat budget. In the heat budget estimate, the net heat input at the lake’s surface and the heat input by river inflow and groundwater inflow
[...] Read more.
A thermal system in the very deep Lake Tazawa (maximum depth, 423 m) was investigated by estimating the heat budget. In the heat budget estimate, the net heat input at the lake’s surface and the heat input by river inflow and groundwater inflow were considered. Then, the heat loss by snowfall onto the lake’s surface was taken into account. Meanwhile, the lake water temperature was monitored at 0.2 m to the bottom by mooring temperature loggers for more than two years. The heat storage change of the lake from the loggers was calibrated by frequent vertical measurements of water temperature at every 0.1 m pitch by a profiler with high accuracy (±0.01 °C). The heat storage change (W/m2) obtained by the temperature loggers reasonably accorded to that from the heat budget estimate. In the heat budget, the net heat input at lake surface dominated the heat storage change, but significant heat loss by river inflow sporadically occurred, caused by the relatively large discharge from a reservoir in the upper region. How deeply the vertical water circulation in the lake occurs in winter was judged according to the differences between water temperatures at 0.2 m depth and at the bottom and between vertical profiles of dissolved oxygen over winter. It is strongly suggested that the whole water circulation process does not occur every winter, and if it does, it is very weak. A consistent increase in the water temperature at the bottom is probably due to the conservation of geothermal heat by high frequency of incomplete vertical water circulation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Human Impact on Freshwater Water Resources: Rivers and Lakes)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Evapotranspiration Assessment by Remote Sensing in Brazil with Focus on Amazon Biome: Scientometric Analysis and Perspectives for Applications in Agro-Environmental Studies
by
Daniela Castagna, Luzinete Scaunichi Barbosa, Charles Campoe Martim, Rhavel Salviano Dias Paulista, Nadja Gomes Machado, Marcelo Sacardi Biudes and Adilson Pacheco de Souza
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030039 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Amazon biome plays a crucial role in the hydrological cycle, supplying water vapor for the atmosphere and contributing to evapotranspiration (ET) that influences regional humidity across Brazil and South America. Remote sensing (RS) has emerged as a valuable tool for measuring and
[...] Read more.
The Amazon biome plays a crucial role in the hydrological cycle, supplying water vapor for the atmosphere and contributing to evapotranspiration (ET) that influences regional humidity across Brazil and South America. Remote sensing (RS) has emerged as a valuable tool for measuring and estimating ET, particularly in the data-scarce Amazon region. A scientometric analysis was conducted to identify the most used RS-based ET product or model in Brazil and its potential application in the Amazon. Scientometrics allows for the quantitative analysis of scientific output; this study identified the most widely used RS product in the Amazon biome. Articles published in Web of Science, Scielo, and Scopus databases up to 2022 were searched using the keywords “Evapotranspiration”, “Remote Sensing”, and “Brazil”. After initial screening, 140 relevant articles were subjected to scientometric analysis using the Bibliometrix library in RStudio 2023.06.1+524. These articles, published between 2001 and 2022, reveal a collaborative research landscape involving 600 authors and co-authors from 245 institutions, with most studies originating from Brazil’s Southeast and North (Amazon) regions. Notably, within the 12 studies focusing on ET by RS in the Amazon biome, applications were diverse, encompassing river basins, climate change, El Niño, and deforestation, with the MOD16 product being the most frequently employed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GIS Modelling of Evapotranspiration with Remote Sensing)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
An Integrated Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Technique for Mapping Groundwater Recharge Zones: A Case Study of SW Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia
by
Eman Mohamed M. EL-Bana, Haya M. Alogayell, Mariam Hassan Sheta and Mohamed Abdelfattah
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030038 - 03 Mar 2024
Abstract
It might be difficult to find possible groundwater reservoir zones, especially in arid or hilly regions. In the twenty-first century, remotely sensed satellite imagery may present a new opportunity to locate surface and subsurface water resources more quickly and affordably. In order to
[...] Read more.
It might be difficult to find possible groundwater reservoir zones, especially in arid or hilly regions. In the twenty-first century, remotely sensed satellite imagery may present a new opportunity to locate surface and subsurface water resources more quickly and affordably. In order to identify groundwater potential zones, the current study was conducted in Central Saudi Arabia, southwest of Riyadh. The present analysis employed a multi-criteria approach that relies on remote sensing and geographic information systems. The variables employed in this technique include geology, rainfall, elevation, slope, aspect, hillshade, drainage density, lineaments density, and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC). The Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) was used for assigning weights to the parameters, and the corresponding significance of each parameter’s several classes for groundwater potentiality. Different groundwater potential zones were identified by the study: very high (16.8%), high (30%), medium (26.7%), low (18.6%), and very low (7.9%). Only two of the observation wells were located in the “medium” potential zone, but the other ten wells were observed in the “very high and high” potential zones, according to the validation survey. Consequently, the results may demonstrate that the current approach, which combines improved conceptualization with AHP to define and map groundwater potential zones, has a greater chance of producing accurate results and can be used to reduce the threat of drought in broader arid regions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Pollution: Sources, Mechanisms, and Prevention)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Insight into Sources of Benzene, TCE, and PFOA/PFOS in Groundwater at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida, through Numerical Particle-Tracking Simulations
by
Eric D. Swain, James E. Landmeyer, Michael A. Singletary and Shannon E. Provenzano
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030037 - 02 Mar 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Past waste-disposal activities at Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) have led to elevated concentrations of contaminants in the underlying sand and gravel aquifer. Contaminants include two of the most commonly detected chemicals in groundwater in many countries (benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE)) and
[...] Read more.
Past waste-disposal activities at Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) have led to elevated concentrations of contaminants in the underlying sand and gravel aquifer. Contaminants include two of the most commonly detected chemicals in groundwater in many countries (benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE)) and the “forever chemicals” per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). A MODFLOW model (the Whiting Field Groundwater Model (WFGM)) was previously developed for NASWF and the surrounding area to simulate groundwater flow. To obtain insight into groundwater flow pathways for the identification of potential source areas, the MODPATH particle-tracking application was applied to the WFGM for three public supply wells and three monitoring wells at NASWF. The travel time to recharge areas was estimated using concentrations of the groundwater age-dating solutes tritium (as helium ingrowth) and chlorofluorocarbons detected in the monitoring wells. Simulated travel times agree with the groundwater ages and indicate that the calibrated WFGM reasonably represents groundwater flow velocities and pathways. The MODPATH simulations confirm suspected on-base source areas to explain chemical detection in the monitoring wells. In contrast, the particle-tracking simulations indicate that potential source areas to the public supply wells include both on- and off-base sources. This is important because PFAS chemicals can have multiple sources, including land application of sludge-based fertilizers. This approach that combines groundwater age dating with particle-tracking simulations can be applied at similar sites characterized by benzene-, TCE-, and PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Water Quality as a Key Component in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus
by
Kristina Gartsiyanova, Stefan Genchev and Atanas Kitev
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030036 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The intensive economic activity along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is causing serious changes in the quality of the river water. In view of the topicality of the problem, the main goal of this article is to emphasize the water quality as a
[...] Read more.
The intensive economic activity along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is causing serious changes in the quality of the river water. In view of the topicality of the problem, the main goal of this article is to emphasize the water quality as a necessary key component in the water–energy–food nexus by determining the status of the surface waters of selected Bulgarian Black Sea tributaries from the point of view of their physicochemical characteristics. The research is based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD)—2000/60/EU and the relevant national legislation. In the present study, the Canadian Complex Water Quality Index (CCME, WQI) was applied to determine the quality of river waters. The novelty in the present study is a definite and necessary emphasis on the opinion that the analysis and assessment of water quality should become an integral part of all studies of the water–energy–food nexus.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Low-Flow Forecasts: A Multi-Model Approach for Rainfall–Runoff Models
by
Cynthia Andraos
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030035 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The expected change in rainfall patterns and the increase in evapotranspiration due to climate change leads to earlier droughts, which aggravate water shortages. To ensure the sustainable management of water resources in these conditions, it is necessary to forecast their evolution. The use
[...] Read more.
The expected change in rainfall patterns and the increase in evapotranspiration due to climate change leads to earlier droughts, which aggravate water shortages. To ensure the sustainable management of water resources in these conditions, it is necessary to forecast their evolution. The use of hydrological models is essential for monitoring the water crisis. The conceptual hydrological models used in this study are MEDOR, GR4J, and HBV. They are applied in the Nahr Ibrahim watershed, which is a typical Lebanese Mediterranean basin. While these models simplify complex natural systems, concerns persist about their reliability in addressing drought challenges. In order to reduce the uncertainties, this study develops new robust methods that can improve model simulations. First, a particular series concerning low flows is constructed with the use of hydrological low-flow indices. The multi-model approach is utilized to reach a more accurate unique series while combining the low-flow series generated from the models. This combination is accomplished by using the simple average method, weighted average, artificial neural networks, and genetic algorithms. Better results are generated with the use of these methods. Accordingly, this study led to an improvement in model performances while increasing the reliability of low-flow forecasts.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Daily Simulation of the Rainfall–Runoff Relationship in the Sirba River Basin in West Africa: Insights from the HEC-HMS Model
by
Idi Souley Tangam, Roland Yonaba, Dial Niang, Mahaman Moustapha Adamou, Amadou Keïta and Harouna Karambiri
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030034 - 28 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This study focuses on the Sirba River Basin (SRB), a transboundary West African catchment of 38,950 km2 shared by Burkina Faso and Niger, which contributes to flooding downstream in Niamey (Niger). The study uses the HEC-HMS hydrological model to explore the dynamics
[...] Read more.
This study focuses on the Sirba River Basin (SRB), a transboundary West African catchment of 38,950 km2 shared by Burkina Faso and Niger, which contributes to flooding downstream in Niamey (Niger). The study uses the HEC-HMS hydrological model to explore the dynamics of the daily rainfall–runoff relationship over the period 2006–2020. The model is calibrated using observed rainfall at 13 meteorological stations within the river basin and observed discharges at the Garbey Kourou hydrometric station outlet. Two types of simulation are compared: (i) a continuous simulation (CS) over the period 2006–2020 and (ii) an event-based simulation (ES) using selected major flood events in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2020. The results showed satisfactory model performance under both modeling schemes (R2 = 0.84–0.87 for CS and R2 = 0.94–0.98 for ES), with a superior performance of ES over CS. Also, significant differences in the distribution of calibrated model parameters for the percent impervious and the attenuation flood wave factor were observed. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the curve number, initial abstraction, lag time and routing time factors were influential on the model outputs. The study therefore underscores the model’s robustness and contributes crucial insights for flood control management and infrastructure planning in the SRB.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Catchment-Scale Challenges for Water Resources Management: Assessing ‘Reasonable’ Peak Needs for Irrigated Agriculture in a Humid Climate
by
Jerry W. Knox and Keith Weatherhead
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030033 - 27 Feb 2024
Abstract
Rising demands and competition for water resources within all sectors are placing increasing pressure on the environment. Almost all direct abstractions in England require a licence (permit) from the regulatory authority, the Environment Agency. Assessing and setting ‘reasonable’ peak quantities of water that
[...] Read more.
Rising demands and competition for water resources within all sectors are placing increasing pressure on the environment. Almost all direct abstractions in England require a licence (permit) from the regulatory authority, the Environment Agency. Assessing and setting ‘reasonable’ peak quantities of water that can be legally abstracted in an environmentally sustainable manner is central to the whole licence determination process. To protect environmental flows and other abstractors within each catchment, the regulatory authority needs to be able to set sensible limits in the licence conditions, including total seasonal volumes and peak rates of water use, particularly for abstractions from hydrologically sensitive surface water sources. This paper describes the development of a methodology to assess the ‘reasonable’ peak rates of water use for agricultural irrigation in support of catchment water resources management and planning. A daily time step water balance model was used to simulate peak monthly and daily water requirements for irrigation using long-term historical weather records for agroclimatically contrasting sites. The model-simulated outputs were then compared against observed data from selected case study farms, and against data reported in a national water abstraction database. Guidelines were then developed for setting peak monthly, daily, hourly, and absolute abstraction rates for irrigation, taking into account the environmental sensitivity of different types of water source. The application of the procedure and its relevance in other countries where catchment water resources are under intense pressure from agriculture are described.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrology and Water Resources Management)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Geospatial Insights into Aridity Conditions: MODIS Products and GIS Modeling in Northeast Brazil
by
Jhon Lennon Bezerra da Silva, Marcos Vinícius da Silva, Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz Jardim, Pabrício Marcos Oliveira Lopes, Henrique Fonseca Elias de Oliveira, Josef Augusto Oberdan Souza Silva, Márcio Mesquita, Ailton Alves de Carvalho, Alan Cézar Bezerra, José Francisco de Oliveira-Júnior, Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Iara Tamires Rodrigues Cavalcante, Elania Freire da Silva and Geber Barbosa de Albuquerque Moura
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030032 - 26 Feb 2024
Abstract
Northeast Brazil (NEB), particularly its semiarid region, represents an area highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including severe droughts, and intense anthropogenic activities. These stresses may be accelerating environmental degradation and desertification of soil in NEB. The main aim of this
[...] Read more.
Northeast Brazil (NEB), particularly its semiarid region, represents an area highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including severe droughts, and intense anthropogenic activities. These stresses may be accelerating environmental degradation and desertification of soil in NEB. The main aim of this study was to gain geospatial insights into the biophysical parameters of surface energy balance and actual evapotranspiration on a multi-temporal scale, aiming to detect and analyze the spectral behavioral patterns of areas vulnerable to degradation processes, based on thematic maps at the surface, for NEB and mainly the semiarid region of NEB from 2000 to 2019. Geospatial data from 8-day MODIS sensor products were used, such as surface reflectance (Terra/MOD09A1 and Aqua/MYD09A1), surface temperature (Terra/MOD11A2 and Aqua/MYD11A2), and actual evapotranspiration (Terra/MOD16A2 and Aqua/MYD16A2), version 6. Therefore, in this study, pixel-to-pixel values were processed by calculating the average pixel statistics for each year. From the reflectance product, digital processing of the surface albedo and spectral vegetation indices was also carried out, using computational programming scripts and machine learning algorithms developed via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The study also presents a seasonal analysis of these components and their relationships over 20 years. Through vegetation indices and statistical correlations, a new predictive model of actual evapotranspiration was developed. The quantitative and spatiotemporal spectral patterns of the parameters were assessed through descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, and statistical error analyses and correlation indices. Thematic maps highlighted the pixel-to-pixel results, with patterns of high temperature distribution mainly in the central and northeastern part of NEB and the semiarid region of NEB, highlighting the formation of persistent heat islands over time. Meanwhile, in these areas, the maps of actual evapotranspiration showed a drastic reduction due to the lesser availability of energy. Over time, the semiarid region of NEB presented areas with little and/or no vegetation cover, which were highly well-defined between the years 2012 and 2019, confirming that these areas are extremely vulnerable to degradation and desertification processes due to significant loss of vegetative and water resilience. The components of energy balance were highly interconnected to climatological and environmental conditions, showing the severe results of drought and accentuation of the water deficit in NEB, presenting a greater condition of aridity in the semiarid region of NEB over time.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GIS Modelling of Evapotranspiration with Remote Sensing)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Hydrometeorological Trends in a Low-Gradient Forested Watershed on the Southeastern Atlantic Coastal Plain in the USA
by
Devendra M. Amatya, Timothy J. Callahan, Sourav Mukherjee, Charles A. Harrison, Carl C. Trettin, Andrzej Wałęga, Dariusz Młyński and Kristen D. Emmett
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030031 - 26 Feb 2024
Abstract
Hydrology and meteorological data from relatively undisturbed watersheds aid in identifying effects on ecosystem services, tracking hydroclimatic trends, and reducing model uncertainties. Sustainable forest, water, and infrastructure management depends on assessing the impacts of extreme events and land use change on flooding, droughts,
[...] Read more.
Hydrology and meteorological data from relatively undisturbed watersheds aid in identifying effects on ecosystem services, tracking hydroclimatic trends, and reducing model uncertainties. Sustainable forest, water, and infrastructure management depends on assessing the impacts of extreme events and land use change on flooding, droughts, and biogeochemical processes. For example, global climate models predict more frequent high-intensity storms and longer dry periods for the southeastern USA. We summarized 17 years (2005–2021) of hydrometeorological data recorded in the 52 km2, third-order Turkey Creek watershed at the Santee Experimental Forest (SEF), Southeastern Coastal Plain, USA. This is a non-tidal headwater system of the Charleston Harbor estuary. The study period included a wide range of weather conditions; annual precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) ranged from 994 mm and 1212 mm in 2007 to 2243 mm and 1063 in 2015, respectively. The annual runoff coefficient (ROC) varied from 0.09 in 2007 (with water table (WT) as deep as 2.4 m below surface) to 0.52 in 2015 (with frequently ponded WT conditions), with an average of 0.22. Although the average P (1470 mm) was 11% higher than the historic 1964–1976 average (1320 mm), no significant (α= 0.05) trend was found in the annual P (p = 0.11), ROC (p = 0.17) or runoff (p = 0.27). Runoff occurred on 76.4% of all days in the study period, exceeding 20 mm/day for 1.25% of all days, mostly due to intense storms in the summer and lower ET demand in the winter. No-flow conditions were common during most of the summer growing season. WT recharge occurred during water-surplus conditions, and storm-event base flow contributed 23–47% of the total runoff as estimated using a hydrograph separation method. Storm-event peak discharge in the Turkey Creek was dominated by shallow subsurface runoff and was correlated with 48 h precipitation totals. Estimated precipitation intensity–duration–frequency and flood frequency relationships were found to be larger than those found by NOAA for the 1893–2002 period (for durations ≥ 3 h), and by USGS regional frequencies (for ≥10-year return intervals), respectively, for the same location. We recommend an integrated analysis of these data together with available water quality data to (1) assess the impacts of rising tides on the hydroperiod and biogeochemical processes in riparian forests of the estuary headwaters, (2) validate rainfall–runoff models including watershed scale models to assess land use and climate change on hydrology and water quality, and (3) inform watershed restoration goals, strategies, and infrastructure design in coastal watersheds.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Hydrometeorology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Changes within the Sota Catchment (Benin, West Africa)
by
Kevin S. Sambieni, Fabien C. C. Hountondji, Luc O. Sintondji, Nicola Fohrer, Séverin Biaou and Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa
Hydrology 2024, 11(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11030030 - 23 Feb 2024
Abstract
Climate and land cover changes are key factors in river basins’ management. This study investigates on the one hand 60-year (1960 to 2019) rainfall and temperature variability using station data combined with gridded data, and on the other hand land cover changes for
[...] Read more.
Climate and land cover changes are key factors in river basins’ management. This study investigates on the one hand 60-year (1960 to 2019) rainfall and temperature variability using station data combined with gridded data, and on the other hand land cover changes for the years 1990, 2005, and 2020 in the Sota catchment (13,410 km2, North Benin, West Africa). The climate period is different from the chosen land use change period due to the unavailability of satellite images. Standardized anomaly index, break points, trend analysis, and Thiessen’s polygon were applied. Satellite images were processed and ground truthing was carried out to assess land cover changes. The analyses revealed a wet period from 1960 to 1972, a dry period from 1973 to 1987, and another wet period from 1988 to 2019. The annual rainfall decreases from the south to the north of the catchment. In addition, rainfall showed a non-significant trend over the study period, and no significant changes were identified between the two normals (1960–1989 and 1990–2019) at catchment scale, although some individual stations exhibited significant trends. Temperatures, in contrast, showed a significant increasing trend over the study period at catchment scale, with significant break points in 1978, 1990, and 2004 for Tmax, and 1989 for Tmin. An increase of 0.4 °C and 1.2 °C is noted, respectively, for Tmax and Tmin between the two normals. The study also revealed increases in agricultural areas (212.1%), settlements (76.6%), waterbodies (2.9%), and baresoil (52%) against decreases in woodland (49.6%), dense forest (42.2%), gallery forest (21.2%), and savanna (31.9%) from 1990 to 2020. These changes in climate and land cover will have implications for the region. Appropriate adaptation measures, including Integrated Water Resources Management and afforestation, are required.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Variations in Hydroclimatic Variables)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Hydrogeological Characteristics of the Makaresh Carbonate Karst Massif (Central Albania)
by
Romeo Eftimi, Isabella Serena Liso and Mario Parise
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020029 - 15 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Carbonate rocks cover about 23% of Albania, with exploitable karst water resources estimated at 2.84 × 109 m3/year (about 65% of the total exploitable groundwater resources in the country). The Kruja tectonic zone is characterized by the presence of SE–NW-oriented
[...] Read more.
Carbonate rocks cover about 23% of Albania, with exploitable karst water resources estimated at 2.84 × 109 m3/year (about 65% of the total exploitable groundwater resources in the country). The Kruja tectonic zone is characterized by the presence of SE–NW-oriented carbonate structures, rich in fresh and thermal groundwaters. More than 80% of the thermal springs in Albania are present in this tectonic zone. One of its most interesting carbonate structures, with the presence of both cold and thermal waters, is the small karst structure of Makaresh, with a surface of 22 km2. The purpose of this article is to describe the hydrogeological characteristics of this massif; based on the physico-chemical characteristics, groundwaters of the study area are classified as cold waters (belonging to the local flow system) and thermal waters (originating in intermediate/deep flow systems). The former are mainly of HCO3-Ca or HCO3-Ca-Mg type (electrical conductivity 580–650 μS/cm, Temperature 13.9–16.6 °C). Thermal waters are mainly of the Cl-Na-Ca type (EC 7200–7800 μS/cm, T 18.5–22.5 °C); they are further characterized by high hydrogen sulfide concentration, up to about 350 mg/L. The presence of two groundwater types in the Makaresh massif is connected to the presence of two groundwater circulation systems. The main factors of the groundwater physico-chemical quality are the dissolution of rocks and minerals contained therein, the presence of hypogenic speleogenesis, and the mixing of the groundwater of the two systems. The hydrogeological studies proved that karst rocks contain considerable freshwater resources, partly used for water supply. Thermal waters are not currently exploited due to their temperature, but they are potentially suitable for thermal uses by drilling boreholes to a depth of about 1000 m.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Sensitivity of Groundwater Recharge Assessment to Input Data in Arid Areas
by
Salah Basem Ajjur and Emanuele Di Lorenzo
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020028 - 14 Feb 2024
Abstract
Natural groundwater recharge (GR) assessment depends on several hydrogeological and climatic inputs, where uncertainty is inevitable. Assessing how inputs’ uncertainty affects GR estimation is important; however, it remains unclear in arid areas. This study assesses inputs’ uncertainty by examining the changes in GR
[...] Read more.
Natural groundwater recharge (GR) assessment depends on several hydrogeological and climatic inputs, where uncertainty is inevitable. Assessing how inputs’ uncertainty affects GR estimation is important; however, it remains unclear in arid areas. This study assesses inputs’ uncertainty by examining the changes in GR simulations resulting from modifications in climatic, land use, and soil inputs. A physical-based hydrological model was built to estimate GR from 18 different GR scenarios across Qatar. Scenarios S1–S7 were created from different climatic inputs but identical land use and soil maps. Scenarios S8–S14 were created from different land use maps (analyzed from historical Landsat satellite images) but similar climatic and soil inputs. In S15–S18, the soil parameters were changed while the climatic and land use maps were kept the same. The results show that climatic inputs are key factors controlling the GR in arid areas, followed by land use inputs and soil classification. A strong correlation was observed between the GR values and precipitation, while moderate (non-significant) correlations were observed between the GR values and potential evapotranspiration and wind speed. Soil changes affected the GR simulations but inconsiderably compared with climatic and land use inputs. Since GR estimation is fundamental but uncertain in arid areas, the study findings contribute to narrowing the uncertainty in GR estimation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Watersheds)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Investigation of Various Rainfall Intensities over Central India Using EO Datasets
by
Nitesh Awasthi, Jayant Nath Tripathi, George P. Petropoulos, Pradeep Kumar, Abhay Kumar Singh, Kailas Kamaji Dakhore, Kripan Ghosh, Dileep Kumar Gupta, Prashant K. Srivastava, Kleomenis Kalogeropoulos, Sartajvir Singh and Dhiraj Kumar Singh
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020027 - 13 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This study involved an investigation of the long-term seasonal rainfall patterns in central India at the district level during the period from 1991 to 2020, including various aspects such as the spatiotemporal seasonal trend of rainfall patterns, rainfall variability, trends of rainy days
[...] Read more.
This study involved an investigation of the long-term seasonal rainfall patterns in central India at the district level during the period from 1991 to 2020, including various aspects such as the spatiotemporal seasonal trend of rainfall patterns, rainfall variability, trends of rainy days with different intensities, decadal percentage deviation in long-term rainfall patterns, and decadal percentage deviation in rainfall events along with their respective intensities. The central region of India was meticulously divided into distinct subparts, namely, Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The experimental outcomes represented the disparities in rainfall distribution across different districts of central India with the spatial distribution of mean rainfall ranges during winter (2.08 mm over Dadra and Nagar Haveli with an average of 24.19 mm over Odisha), premonsoon (6.65 mm over Gujarat to 132.89 mm over Odisha), monsoon (845.46 mm over Gujarat to 3188.21 mm over Goa), and post-monsoon (30.35 mm over Gujarat to 213.87 mm over Goa), respectively. Almost all the districts of central India displayed an uneven pattern in the percentage deviation of seasonal rainfall in all three decades for all seasons, which indicates the seasonal rainfall variability over the last 30 years. A noticeable variation in the percentage deviation of seasonal rainfall patterns has been observed in the following districts: Rewa, Puri, Anuppur, Ahmadabad, Navsari, Chhindwara, Devbhumi Dwarka, Amreli, Panch Mahals, Kolhapur, Kandhamal, Ratnagiri, Porbandar, Bametara, and Sabar Kantha. In addition, a larger number of rainy days of various categories occurred in the monsoon season in comparison to other seasons. A higher contribution of trace rainfall events was found in the winter season. The highest contributions of very light, light rainfall, moderate, rather high, and high events were found in the monsoon season in central India. The percentage of various categories of rainfall events has decreased over the last two decades (2001–2020) in comparison to the third decade (1991–2000), according to the mean number of rainfall events in the last 30 years. This spatiotemporal analysis provides valuable insights into the rainfall trends in central India, which represent regional disparities and the potential challenges impacted by climate patterns. This study contributes to our understanding of the changing rainfall dynamics and offers crucial information for effective water resource management in the region.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Increased Hg Methylation Risks in Management-Induced Terrain Depressions in Forests with Organic-Matter-Rich Soils
by
Ivars Kļaviņš, Arta Bārdule, Zane Kļaviņa and Zane Lībiete
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020026 - 13 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic contaminant that bioaccumulates in trophic chains in its organic form—methylmercury (MeHg). Hg methylation is driven by microorganisms in favourable conditions, stagnant water pools being among potential methylation hotspots. In the present study, we estimated the total Hg and
[...] Read more.
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic contaminant that bioaccumulates in trophic chains in its organic form—methylmercury (MeHg). Hg methylation is driven by microorganisms in favourable conditions, stagnant water pools being among potential methylation hotspots. In the present study, we estimated the total Hg and MeHg concentrations in the sediments of water-filled management-induced terrain depressions (ruts, mounding pits and a partly functional drainage ditch) and in nearby undisturbed soil in six hemiboreal forest sites with organic-matter-rich soils in Latvia. Environmental samples were taken in the spring, summer and autumn of 2022. Furthermore, we evaluated the risks of element leaching from the depressions using high-resolution digital terrain models (DTM) and meteorological data. The results suggested a possible leaching of Hg in the past as THg concentrations in the sediments of the depressions were significantly lower than in the surrounding soil. Furthermore, significantly higher MeHg and %MeHg concentrations were found in the sediments than in the surrounding soil identifying the management-induced depressions as Hg methylation hotspots. Spatial analysis of the DTMs pointed to a very likely periodical leaching of elements from the depressions during high precipitation episodes as well as during snowmelts. Moreover, it was observed that ruts left by heavy machinery often channel surface runoff.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Predictive Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Water Yield in the Meta River Basin, Colombia: An InVEST Model Application
by
Jhon B. Valencia, Vladimir V. Guryanov, Jeison Mesa-Diez, Nilton Diaz, Daniel Escobar-Carbonari and Artyom V. Gusarov
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020025 - 08 Feb 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a hydrological assessment of the 113,981 km2 Meta River basin in Colombia using 13 global climate models to predict water yield for 2050 under two CMIP6 scenarios, SSP 4.5 and SSP 8.5. Despite mixed performance across subbasins, the model
[...] Read more.
This paper presents a hydrological assessment of the 113,981 km2 Meta River basin in Colombia using 13 global climate models to predict water yield for 2050 under two CMIP6 scenarios, SSP 4.5 and SSP 8.5. Despite mixed performance across subbasins, the model was notably effective in the upper Meta River subbasin. This study predicts an overall increase in the basin’s annual water yield due to increased precipitation, especially in flatter regions. Under the SSP 4.5, the Meta River basin’s water flow is expected to rise from 5141.6 m3/s to 6397.5 m3/s, and to 6101.5 m3/s under the SSP 8.5 scenario, marking 24% and 19% increases in water yield, respectively. Conversely, the upper Meta River subbasin may experience a slight decrease in water yield, while the upper Casanare River subbasin is predicted to see significant increases. The South Cravo River subbasin, however, is expected to face a considerable decline in water yield, indicating potential water scarcity. This study represents a pioneering large-scale application of the InVEST–AWY model in Colombia using CMIP6 global climate models with an integrated approach to produce predictions of future water yields.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Runoff Modelling under Climate Change)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
CMIP5 Decadal Precipitation over an Australian Catchment
by
Md Monowar Hossain, A. H. M. Faisal Anwar, Nikhil Garg, Mahesh Prakash and Mohammed Abdul Bari
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020024 - 07 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The fidelity of the decadal experiment in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase-5 (CMIP5) has been examined, over different climate variables for multiple temporal and spatial scales, in many previous studies. However, most of the studies were for the temperature and temperature-based climate indices.
[...] Read more.
The fidelity of the decadal experiment in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase-5 (CMIP5) has been examined, over different climate variables for multiple temporal and spatial scales, in many previous studies. However, most of the studies were for the temperature and temperature-based climate indices. A quite limited study was conducted on precipitation of decadal experiment, and no attention was paid to the catchment level. This study evaluates the performances of eight GCMs (MIROC4h, EC-EARTH, MRI-CGCM3, MPI-ESM-MR, MPI-ESM-LR, MIROC5, CMCC-CM, and CanCM4) for the monthly hindcast precipitation of decadal experiment over the Brisbane River catchment in Queensland, Australia. First, the GCMs datasets were spatially interpolated onto a spatial resolution of 0.05 × 0.05° (5 × 5 km) matching with the grids of observed data and then were cut for the catchment. Next, model outputs were evaluated for temporal skills, dry and wet periods, and total precipitation (over time and space) based on the observed values. Skill test results revealed that model performances varied over the initialization years and showed comparatively higher scores from the initialization year 1990 and onward. Models with finer spatial resolutions showed comparatively better performances as opposed to the models of coarse spatial resolutions, where MIROC4h outperformed followed by EC-EARTH and MRI-CGCM3. Based on the performances, models were grouped into three categories, where models (MIROC4h, EC-EARTH, and MRI-CGCM3) with high performances fell in the first category, and middle (MPI-ESM-LR and MPI-ESM-MR) and comparatively low-performing models (MIROC5, CanCM4, and CMCC-CM) fell in the second and third categories, respectively. To compare the performances of multi-model ensembles’ mean (MMEMs), three MMEMs were formed. The arithmetic mean of the first category formed MMEM1, the second and third categories formed MMEM2, and all eight models formed MMEM3. The performances of MMEMs were also assessed using the same skill tests, and MMEM2 performed best, which suggests that evaluation of models’ performances is highly important before the formation of MMEM.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Expanding Karst Groundwater Tracing Techniques: Incorporating Population Genetic and Isotopic Data to Enhance Flow-Path Characterization
by
Benjamin W. Tobin, Benjamin V. Miller, Matthew L. Niemiller and Andrea M. Erhardt
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020023 - 04 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Karst aquifers are unique among groundwater systems because of variable permeability and flow-path organization changes resulting from dissolution processes. Over time, changes in flow-path connectivity complicate interpretations of conduit network evolution in karst hydrogeology. Natural and artificial tracer techniques have long provided critical
[...] Read more.
Karst aquifers are unique among groundwater systems because of variable permeability and flow-path organization changes resulting from dissolution processes. Over time, changes in flow-path connectivity complicate interpretations of conduit network evolution in karst hydrogeology. Natural and artificial tracer techniques have long provided critical information for protecting karst aquifers and understanding the potential impacts on ecosystems and human populations. Conventional tracer methods are useful in karst hydrogeologic studies for delineating flow paths and defining recharge, storage, and discharge properties. However, these methods only provide snapshots of the current conditions and do not provide sufficient information to understand the changes in interconnection or larger-scale evolution of flow paths in the aquifer over time. With advances in population genetics, it is possible to assess population connectivity, which may provide greater insights into complex groundwater flow paths. To assess this potential, we combined the more traditional approaches collected in this and associated studies, including artificial (dye) and natural (geochemistry, isotopes, and discharge) tracers, with the population genetic data of a groundwater crustacean to determine whether these data can provide insights into seasonal or longer changes in connections between conduits. The data collected included dye trace, hydrographs, geochemistry, and asellid isopod (Caecidotea bicrenenta) population genetics in Fern Cave, AL, USA, a 25 km-long cave system. Combined, these data show the connections between two separate flow paths during flood events as the downstream populations of isopods belonging to the same subpopulation were measured in both systems. Additionally, the sub-populations found in higher elevations of the cave suggest a highly interconnected unsaturated zone that allows for genetic movement in the vadose zone. Although upstream populations show some similarities in genetics, hydrologic barriers, in the form of large waterfalls, likely separate populations within the same stream.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of BMPs in Flatland Watershed with Pumped Outlet
by
Rituraj Shukla, Ramesh Rudra, Prasad Daggupati, Colin Little, Alamgir Khan, Pradeep Goel and Shiv Prasher
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020022 - 03 Feb 2024
Abstract
The effectiveness of existing and potential best management practices (BMPs) to cropped lands in the Jeannette Creek watershed (Thames River basin, Ontario, Canada) in reducing P loads at its pumped outlets was assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Existing BMPs
[...] Read more.
The effectiveness of existing and potential best management practices (BMPs) to cropped lands in the Jeannette Creek watershed (Thames River basin, Ontario, Canada) in reducing P loads at its pumped outlets was assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Existing BMPs consisted of banded, incorporated, and variable phosphorus (P)-rate application, conservation tillage, cover crops, and vegetative buffer strips. Potential BMPs consisted of banded P application, no-till, and a cover crop following winter wheat. Two separately delineated sub-watersheds, J1 and J2, characterized by a flat topography and distinct pumped outlets, were selected for analysis. Despite challenges in delineation, the SWAT model was successfully set up to assess the impact of BMPs in reducing P loads in these sub-watersheds. Each BMP was systematically removed, and the resulting simulated P loads were compared with the baseline scenario. Compared to cover crops or vegetative buffer strips, the implementation of conservation tillage and no-till, along with altering the mode of P application, offered superior effectiveness in reducing the P load. On average, the annual reduction in total P (Ptot) loads under existing BMPs was 9.2% in J1 and 11.3% in J2, whereas, under potential BMPs, this reduction exceeded 60% in both watersheds.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Watersheds)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Modified Rational Method Approach for Calculating First Flush Design Flow Rates to Mitigate Nonpoint Source Pollution from Stormwater Runoff
by
David C. Froehlich
Hydrology 2024, 11(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11020021 - 02 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Mitigating nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff demands effective strategies for treating the first flush depth. Whether through off-stream storage or pass-through treatment devices, designing diversion structures and filtering materials is critical. This study proposes a streamlined procedure for determining first flush design
[...] Read more.
Mitigating nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff demands effective strategies for treating the first flush depth. Whether through off-stream storage or pass-through treatment devices, designing diversion structures and filtering materials is critical. This study proposes a streamlined procedure for determining first flush design flow rates, employing the modified rational method and rainfall intensity–duration equations applicable to any U.S. location. The dimensionless solution, which is presented as an equation requiring an iterative calculation for the desired flow rates, is complemented by precision graphs. Examples from the semi-arid Southwestern United States illustrate the methodology’s utility.
Full article
Figure 1
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Hydrology Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Atmosphere, Hydrology, Remote Sensing, Sustainability, Water
Hydrology and Water Resources Management
Topic Editors: Genxu Wang, Hongwei Lu, Lei Wang, Bahman NaserDeadline: 30 March 2024
Topic in
Hydrology, Water, Climate, Atmosphere, Agriculture, Geosciences
Advances in Hydro-Geological Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
Topic Editors: Ahmed Elbeltagi, Quanhua Hou, Bin HeDeadline: 31 July 2024
Topic in
Energies, Hydrology, Remote Sensing, Water, Climate
Climate Change and Human Impact on Freshwater Water Resources: Rivers and Lakes
Topic Editors: Leszek Sobkowiak, Arthur Mynett, David PostDeadline: 30 September 2024
Topic in
Energies, Hydrology, Remote Sensing, Sustainability, Water
Human Impact on Groundwater Environment
Topic Editors: Zongjun Gao, Jiutan LiuDeadline: 15 November 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Hydrology
UAS and Satellite-Based Remote Sensing for Hydrological Observations and Applications
Guest Editors: Silvano Fortunato Dal Sasso, László BertalanDeadline: 31 March 2024
Special Issue in
Hydrology
Advances in Isotope Investigations of Groundwater Resources
Guest Editor: Mahmoud SherifDeadline: 30 April 2024
Special Issue in
Hydrology
Advances in Evaporation and Evaporative Demand: Part II
Guest Editors: Aristoteles Tegos, Nikolaos MalamosDeadline: 22 May 2024
Special Issue in
Hydrology
Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Projecting Aleatoric Uncertainty of Temperature—Precipitation and Flows into the Future to Assess Climate Change Impacts and Deciding on Adaptation Measures
Guest Editors: Arona Diedhiou, Ali A. AssaniDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Hydrology
Feature Papers of Hydrology
Collection Editors: Ezio Todini, Tammo Steenhuis