Advances in Catchments Hydrology and Sediment Dynamics (Second Edition)

A special issue of Hydrology (ISSN 2306-5338). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrological and Hydrodynamic Processes and Modelling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 15930

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Department of Science, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy
Interests: catchment hydrology; soil moisture response; soil erosion; sediment transport; reservoir sedimentation
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Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Interests: ecohydraulics; sediment transport; fluid dynamics; sediment dynamics; hydropower
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In a time where matters pertaining to water demand/scarcity, flood control, land degradation and sedimentation in streams and reservoirs grow into first-line priorities for catchment managers and stakeholders, understanding the hydrological processes and sediment dynamics is more relevant than ever. In recent years, water and sediment cycles have been subjected to stresses such as extreme storms or drought or fluctuations in the flow regime; hence, any advancements in hydrology, flow, and sediment dynamics are crucial.

A range of techniques, including modeling, remote sensing, field measurements, and experimental methods, are currently used in relevant studies. These techniques lead to simulations, data monitoring and analysis, or empirical observations.

The aim of this issue is to investigate the hydrological processes in surfaces or groundwater, as well as the soil erosion and/or stream sediment transport processes at any temporal or spatial scale throughout a catchment, including experimental plots. Studies on the entire chain of the aforementioned processes, or on single parts of the chain, are equally welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Vlassios Hrissanthou
Dr. Konstantinos Kaffas
Dr. Giuseppe Roberto Pisaturo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • streamflow discharge
  • soil erosion
  • sediment transport
  • surface runoff
  • modeling
  • groundwater
  • measurements
  • sedimentation
  • catchment

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 3975 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Calibration of a Pre-Modern Nile Hydrologic Model Using Recovered Records
by Irenee Felix Munyejuru and James H. Stagge
Hydrology 2026, 13(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13040114 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 641
Abstract
Hydrologic models are instrumental in understanding the behavior of the Nile River Basin (NRB), yet their effectiveness is often limited by the basin’s complex hydrology and sparse observational records. This study applies a basin-scale hydrological modeling approach to simulate near-natural, pre-reservoir flow conditions [...] Read more.
Hydrologic models are instrumental in understanding the behavior of the Nile River Basin (NRB), yet their effectiveness is often limited by the basin’s complex hydrology and sparse observational records. This study applies a basin-scale hydrological modeling approach to simulate near-natural, pre-reservoir flow conditions in the NRB, while incorporating lake and wetland submodels. The basin was discretized into 34 sub-watersheds with an outlet at Aswan. The conceptual GR4J rainfall–runoff model was implemented within the Raven modeling framework, chosen for its parsimony and suitability for data-limited conditions. Multi-objective calibration used discharge data from the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), supplemented by digitized historical records to improve spatial and temporal coverage. A stepwise calibration strategy was applied at 18 sites, focusing on pre-reservoir periods to capture natural flow dynamics. The calibrated model reproduces observed discharges with high skill. At the Aswan outlet, Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values were 0.87 (calibration) and 0.80 (validation), with percent bias (PBIAS) values of 6.1% and 5.0%, respectively. Model performance was strongest in the Blue Nile, White Nile headwaters, and the Nile main stem. The model also successfully simulated the hydrological step-change observed in Lake Victoria during the 1960s, underscoring its robustness in simulating regional hydroclimate disruptions. This calibrated model enables reconstruction of historical Nile discharge and simulation of past hydrologic disturbances, including those driven by major volcanic eruptions over the past millennia. Full article
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29 pages, 4903 KB  
Article
Sediment Yield Assessment and Erosion Risk Analysis Using the SWAT Model in the Amman–Zarqa Basin, Jordan
by Motasem R. AlHalaigah, Michel Rahbeh, Nisrein H. Alnizami, Mutaz M. Zoubi, Heba F. Al-Jawaldeh, Shahed H. Alsoud, Yazan A. Alta’any, Qusay Y. Abu-Afifeh, Ali Brezat, Rasha Al-Rkebat, Safa E. El-Mahroug, Bassam Al Qarallah and Ahmad J. Alzubaidi
Hydrology 2026, 13(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13040107 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 853
Abstract
Sediment accumulation in reservoirs represents a critical challenge for sustainable water resources management in semi-arid regions. In Jordan, accelerated sedimentation threatens the operational capacity of major dams, including the King Talal Dam (KTD), which serves as a key water resource in the Amman–Zarqa [...] Read more.
Sediment accumulation in reservoirs represents a critical challenge for sustainable water resources management in semi-arid regions. In Jordan, accelerated sedimentation threatens the operational capacity of major dams, including the King Talal Dam (KTD), which serves as a key water resource in the Amman–Zarqa Basin (AZB). This study assesses sediment yield and erosion risk at the catchment scale using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) integrated with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE). The AZB was subdivided into 31 sub-basins and 586 Hydrological Response Units (HRUs) based on land use, soil characteristics, topography, and slope. The model was calibrated for the period 1993–2002 and validated for 2003–2012 using hydrological and sediment observations from 17 monitoring stations. Long-term simulations covering more than two decades were conducted to quantify spatial and temporal sediment yield patterns across the basin. Results indicate a mean annual sediment yield of 2.79 t ha−1 yr−1, corresponding to approximately 0.59 MCM yr−1 of sediment inflow to the reservoir. These estimates closely agree with bathymetric survey results reported by the Jordan Valley Authority, which indicate sedimentation rates of 2.59 t ha−1 yr−1 (0.55 MCM yr−1). Overall, the model demonstrates strong agreement between observed and simulated sediment loads, confirming its reliability for sediment dynamics assessment. The findings are relevant to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (clean water and sanitation) and 15 (life on land) by informing sustainable watershed and soil erosion management practices. Full article
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24 pages, 3803 KB  
Article
Surface Runoff Responses to Forest Thinning in Semi-Arid Oak–Pine Micro-Catchments of Northern Mexico
by Gabriel Sosa-Pérez, Argelia E. Rascón-Ramos, David E. Hermosillo-Rojas, Alfredo Pinedo Alvarez, Eduardo Santellano-Estrada, Raúl Corrales-Lerma, Sandra Rodríguez-Piñeros and Martín Martínez-Salvador
Hydrology 2026, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13010027 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1571
Abstract
Hydrological behavior plays a critical role in seasonally dry forest ecosystems, as it underpins water availability for multiple productive activities, including forestry, agriculture, grazing, and urban supply. This study evaluated the hydrological effects of thinning treatments in a semi-arid oak–pine forest of Chihuahua, [...] Read more.
Hydrological behavior plays a critical role in seasonally dry forest ecosystems, as it underpins water availability for multiple productive activities, including forestry, agriculture, grazing, and urban supply. This study evaluated the hydrological effects of thinning treatments in a semi-arid oak–pine forest of Chihuahua, Mexico, using a Before–After–Control–Impact (BACI) design. Three Micro-catchments (MC) with initially comparable tree density and canopy cover were monitored during the rainy seasons of 2018 (pre-thinning) and 2019 (post-thinning). Thinning treatments were applied at 20% and 60% canopy cover in two MC, while a third remained unthinned as a 100% control. Precipitation and surface runoff were recorded at the event scale, and data were analyzed using Weibull probability models with a log link to capture the frequency and magnitude of runoff events. Precipitation patterns were broadly comparable across years, although 2018 included an extreme storm event (59 mm). In contrast, runoff volumes in 2019 were lower despite marginally higher seasonal rainfall, reflecting the absence of large storms. Statistical modeling indicated that for each additional millimeter of precipitation, mean runoff increased by approximately 12%, although thinning significantly altered baseline conditions. Relative to 2018, mean runoff ratios were 0.087 in the 100% canopy catchment, 0.296 in the 60% treatment, and 0.348 in the 20% treatment, suggesting that reduced canopy cover retained proportionally more runoff than the control. BACI contrasts confirmed that thinned catchments maintained higher proportions of runoff than the unthinned control, although statistical significance was marginal for the 20% canopy treatment. Overall, the study provides ecohydrological insights relevant to the management of semi-arid forest ecosystems. Full article
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34 pages, 11413 KB  
Article
Hydrodynamic-Ecological Synergistic Effects of Interleaved Jetties: A CFD Study Based on a 180° Bend
by Dandan Liu, Suiju Lv and Chunguang Li
Hydrology 2026, 13(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13010017 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and anthropogenic activities, enhancing the ecological functions of hydraulic structures has become a critical direction for sustainable watershed management. While traditional spur dike designs primarily focus on bank protection and flood control, current demands require [...] Read more.
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and anthropogenic activities, enhancing the ecological functions of hydraulic structures has become a critical direction for sustainable watershed management. While traditional spur dike designs primarily focus on bank protection and flood control, current demands require additional consideration of river ecosystem restoration. Numerical simulations were performed using the RNG k-ε turbulence model to solve the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, a formulation that enhances prediction accuracy for complex flows in curved channels, including separation and reattachment. Following a grid independence study and the application of standard wall functions for near-wall treatment, a comparative analysis was conducted to examine the flow characteristics and ecological effects within a 180° channel bend under three configurations: no spur dikes, a single-side arrangement, and a staggered arrangement of non-submerged, flow-aligned, rectangular thin-walled spur dikes. The results demonstrate that staggered spur dikes significantly reduce the lateral water surface gradient by concentrating the main flow, thereby balancing water levels along the concave and convex banks and suppressing lateral channel migration. Their synergistic flow-contracting effect enhances the kinetic energy of the main flow and generates multi-scale turbulent vortices, which not only increase sediment transport capacity in the main channel but also create diverse habitat conditions. Specifically, the bed shear stress in the central channel region reached 2.3 times the natural level. Flow separation near the dike heads generated a high-velocity zone, elevating velocity and turbulent kinetic energy by factors of 2.3 and 6.8, respectively. This shift promoted bed sediment coarsening and consequently increased scour resistance. In contrast, the low-shear wake zones behind the dikes, with weakened hydrodynamic forces, facilitated fine-sediment deposition and the growth of point bars. Furthermore, this study identifies a critical interface (observed at approximately 60% of the water depth) that serves as a key interface for vertical energy conversion. Below this height, turbulence intensity intermittently increases, whereas above it, energy dissipates markedly. This critical elevation, controlled by both the spur dike configuration and flow conditions, embodies the transition mechanism of kinetic energy from the mean flow to turbulent motions. These findings provide a theoretical basis and engineering reference for optimizing eco-friendly spur dike designs in meandering rivers. Full article
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28 pages, 2974 KB  
Article
Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Watershed Hydrology, Southern Ontario: An Integrated SDSM–SWAT Approach
by Rong Hu, Ramesh Rudra, Rituraj Shukla, Ashok Shaw and Pradeep Goel
Hydrology 2026, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13010013 - 28 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Understanding the local-scale impacts of climate change is critical for protecting water resources and ecosystems in vulnerable agricultural regions. This study investigates the Canagagigue Creek Watershed (CCW) in Southern Ontario, Canada, which is an area vital to the Grand River Basin yet threatened [...] Read more.
Understanding the local-scale impacts of climate change is critical for protecting water resources and ecosystems in vulnerable agricultural regions. This study investigates the Canagagigue Creek Watershed (CCW) in Southern Ontario, Canada, which is an area vital to the Grand River Basin yet threatened by sediment runoff, making it an ecologically sensitive area. We applied an integrated Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) (version 2012) approach under the IPCC A2 scenario to project impacts for the period 2025–2044. The results reveal a fundamental hydrological shift, and evapotranspiration is projected to claim nearly 70% of annual precipitation, leading to a ~30% reduction in total water yield. Seasonally, the annual streamflow peak is projected to shift from March to April, indicating a transition from a snowmelt-dominated to a rainfall-influenced system, while extended low-flow periods increase drought risk. Crucially, sediment yield at the watershed outlet is projected to decrease by 7.9–10.5%. The concomitant reduction in streamflow implies a weakened sediment transport capacity. However, this points to a heightened risk of increased in-stream deposition, which would pose a dual threat, (a) elevating flood risk through channel aggradation and (b) creating a long-term sink for agricultural pollutants that degrades water quality. By linking SDSM and SWAT, this study moves beyond generic predictions, providing a targeted blueprint for climate-resilient land and water management that addresses the complex, interacting challenges of water quantity. Full article
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25 pages, 21145 KB  
Article
Morphological Response to Sub-Seasonal Hydrological Regulation in the Yellow River Mouth: A 1996–2023 Case Study
by Jingjing Zhu, He Qing Huang, Guo-An Yu, Weipeng Hou, Xiao Zhao and Xueqin Zhang
Hydrology 2025, 12(12), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12120335 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1745
Abstract
River flow has historically been the primary force shaping the morphology of the Yellow River estuary. However, since the Xiaolangdi Reservoir began operating in 2000, the hydrological processes reaching the estuary have been significantly modified. To evaluate the morphological response of the estuary, [...] Read more.
River flow has historically been the primary force shaping the morphology of the Yellow River estuary. However, since the Xiaolangdi Reservoir began operating in 2000, the hydrological processes reaching the estuary have been significantly modified. To evaluate the morphological response of the estuary, we examined the evolution of the mouth channel from 1996 to 2023 using remote sensing, cartographic generalization, and hydrological analysis, supported by annual Landsat imagery, daily hydrological records, and field survey data. Our findings indicate that the channel extended slowly between 1996 and 2002, then advanced rapidly from 2003 to 2007, culminating in a natural avulsion between 2004 and 2008. Following the avulsion, the newly formed channel progressively extended (2008–2013) and, after 2014, developed into a multi-branch system. The development of this bifurcating system since 2014 is attributed to the sustained release of low-sediment-concentration flows from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. In contrast, the earlier avulsion was triggered by the rapid discharge of a high-sediment-concentration flow in 2004. These results demonstrate that releases from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir with varying sediment concentrations at different timescales elicited distinct morphological responses in the Yellow River estuary, underscoring the need for carefully calibrated hydrological regulation. Full article
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18 pages, 6338 KB  
Article
Runoff and Sediment Responses to Snowmelt in a Gully-Dominated Agricultural Catchment in Northeast China
by Qingnan Yang, Anshuang Su, Shijun Gao, Zhuoxin Chen, Mingming Guo and Jinzhong Xu
Hydrology 2025, 12(12), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12120327 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Gully is the most visible sign of land degradation, but its effects on runoff and sediment dynamics during snowmelt conditions remain poorly understood. This study monitored a typical gully in the Mollisols region of Northeast China to investigate runoff and sediment transport at [...] Read more.
Gully is the most visible sign of land degradation, but its effects on runoff and sediment dynamics during snowmelt conditions remain poorly understood. This study monitored a typical gully in the Mollisols region of Northeast China to investigate runoff and sediment transport at the Gully Head (GH) and Gully Tail (GT) during spring snowmelt. Results showed that gully significantly influenced snow distribution, with deeper snow accumulation than on slopes. Runoff at the GH lasted 9 days, while gully connectivity extended catchment runoff by 10 additional days. Runoff temporal variation at GH and GT was broadly consistent, with GH contributing 7.4% of the total runoff at GT. Peak runoff discharge and sediment concentration occurred on the sixth day after snowmelt onset, driven by snow cover and air temperature. Gully significantly increased the sediment concentration from the upslope runoff. Runoff responses to temperature varied by melt stage, with GT showing higher sensitivity, especially under high-runoff conditions. High sediment yield was linked not to snow depth, but to late-stage snowmelt and soil thawing, when erosion sensitivity peaked. Hysteresis analysis revealed dominant clockwise loops during this phase, contrasting with figure-eight and counterclockwise patterns in other stages. These findings highlight the importance of targeting erosion control during late snowmelt when runoff intensifies and soils thaw. Full article
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23 pages, 23857 KB  
Article
Differential Changes in Water and Sediment Transport Under the Influence of Large-Scale Reservoirs Connected End to End in the Upper Yangtze River
by Suiji Wang
Hydrology 2025, 12(11), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12110292 - 3 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1278
Abstract
The analysis of changing trends of river runoff and sediment discharge and the exploration of their causes are of great significance for formulating sustainable development measures for river basin systems. Based on methods such as trend test, mutation detection, and regression analysis, this [...] Read more.
The analysis of changing trends of river runoff and sediment discharge and the exploration of their causes are of great significance for formulating sustainable development measures for river basin systems. Based on methods such as trend test, mutation detection, and regression analysis, this study conducts a systematic comparative research on the water–sediment processes in the river reach where large-scale cascaded reservoirs connected end to end are located in the upper Yangtze River, and obtains the following key research progress: For the study reach (between Sanduizi and Xiangjiaba Stations), during the period of 1966–2023, the change rates of annual incoming and outgoing runoff were 2.88 × 108 m3·yr−1 and −0.186 × 108 m3·yr−1, respectively, accounting for 0.017% and 0.013% of the annual average runoff. The changing trends were not significant. During the same period, the change rates of Suspended Sediment Load (SSL) at the inlet and outlet of this river reach were −8.0 × 105 t·yr−1 and −46 × 105 t·yr−1, respectively, accounting for 1.25% and 2.45% of their respective annual average sediment discharge. The SSL showed a significant decreasing trend, which was particularly characterized by a sharp reduction at the outlet. The massive sediment retention and multi-mode operation of cascaded reservoirs are the fundamental reasons for the variation in the water–sediment relationship and the sharp decrease in annual SSL in this reach, and they also lead to an obvious adjustment of water and sediment in the river basin that “cuts peaks and fills valleys” within a year. Climate change and other human activities have reduced the sediment input in the study reach. Looking forward to the next few decades, climate factors will remain the dominant factor affecting the inter-annual variation in runoff in the study area. In contrast, human activities such as reservoir operation will continue to fully control the sediment output of the river reach and also restrict the annual distribution of water and sediment. The results of this study can provide a reference for predicting the changing trends of water and sediment in similar river reaches with cascaded reservoir groups and formulating effective river management measures. Full article
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23 pages, 5537 KB  
Article
Machine Learning Approaches for Simulating Temporal Changes in Bed Profiles Around Cylindrical Bridge Pier: A Comparative Analysis
by Ahad Molavi, Fariborz Ahmadzadeh Kaleybar, Namal Rathnayake, Upaka Rathnayake, Mehdi Fuladipanah and Hazi Mohammad Azamathulla
Hydrology 2025, 12(9), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12090238 - 15 Sep 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2297
Abstract
Submerged vanes offer a promising solution for reducing scour depth around hydraulic structures such as bridge piers by modifying near-bed flow patterns. However, temporal changes in bed profiles around a cylindrical pier remain insufficiently quantified. This study employs three machine learning models (MLMs), [...] Read more.
Submerged vanes offer a promising solution for reducing scour depth around hydraulic structures such as bridge piers by modifying near-bed flow patterns. However, temporal changes in bed profiles around a cylindrical pier remain insufficiently quantified. This study employs three machine learning models (MLMs), gene expression programming (GEP), support vector regression (SVR), and an artificial neural network (ANN), to simulate the temporal evolution of the bed profile around a cylindrical pier under constant subcritical flow. We use a published laboratory flume dataset (106 observations) obtained for a pier of diameter D=6cm and uniform sediment with median size D50=0.43mm. Geometric/layout parameters of the submerged vanes (number n, transverse offset z, longitudinal spacing e, and distance from the pier base a) were fixed at their reported optima, and subsequent tests varied installation angles α to minimize scour. Models were trained on 70% of the data and tested on 30% using dimensionless inputs (t/te,α1,α2,α3) with t the elapsed time from the start of the run and te the equilibrium time at which scour growth becomes negligible and response s/D with s the instantaneous scour depth at time t. The GEP model with a three-gene structure achieved the best accuracy. During training and testing, GEP attained (RMSE, MAE, R2, (Ds/D)DDR(max))=(0.0864,0.0681,0.9237,4.25) and (0.0729,0.0641,0.9143,4.94), respectively, where Ds denotes scour depth at equilibrium state, D is the pier diameter, and DDR(max)max(Ds/D) is the maximum dimensionless depth ratio observed/predicted. Full article
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19 pages, 13316 KB  
Article
Mapping of Closed Depressions in Karst Terrains: A GIS-Based Delineation of Endorheic Catchments in the Alburni Massif (Southern Apennine, Italy)
by Libera Esposito, Guido Leone, Michele Ginolfi, Saman Abbasi Chenari and Francesco Fiorillo
Hydrology 2025, 12(7), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12070186 - 10 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2425
Abstract
A deep interaction between groundwater and surface hydrology characterizes karst environments. These settings feature closed depressions, whose hydrological role varies depending on whether they have genetic and hydraulic relationships with overland–subsurface flow (epigenic) or deep groundwater circulation (hypogenic). Epigenic dolines and poljes are [...] Read more.
A deep interaction between groundwater and surface hydrology characterizes karst environments. These settings feature closed depressions, whose hydrological role varies depending on whether they have genetic and hydraulic relationships with overland–subsurface flow (epigenic) or deep groundwater circulation (hypogenic). Epigenic dolines and poljes are among the diagnostic landforms of karst terrains. In this study, we applied a hydrological criterion to map closed depressions—including dolines—across the Alburni karst massif, in southern Italy. A GIS-based, semi-automatic approach was employed, combining the sink-filling method (applied to a 5 m DEM) with the visual interpretation of various informative layers. This process produced a raster representing the location and depth of karst closed depressions. This raster was then used to automatically delineate endorheic areas using classic GIS tools. The resulting map reveals a thousand dolines and hundreds of adjacent endorheic areas. Endorheic areas form a complex mosaic across the massif, a feature that had been poorly emphasized in previous works. The main morphometric features of the dolines and endorheic areas were statistically analyzed and compared with the structural characteristics of the massif. The results of the proposed mapping approach provide valuable insights for groundwater management, karst area protection, recharge modeling, and tracer test planning. Full article
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