Baseflow residence time explained

Baseflow residence time (often mean baseflow residence time) is a parameter useful in describing the mixing of waters from the infiltration of precipitation and pre-event groundwater in a watershed. It describes the average amount of time that water within the transient water supply resides in a watershed. Many methods of determining baseflow residence time have been developed, mostly involving mathematical models using a convolution integral approach with isotopic or chemical data as the input.[1] Other methods that do not require such extensive and expensive data collection include Brutsaert and Nieber,[2] which uses aquifer parameters as inputs, and Vitvar et al., which uses the stream flow hydrograph to determine baseflow recession parameters.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Vitvar et al., 2002. Estimation of baseflow residence times in watersheds from the runoff hydrograph recession: method and application in the Neversink watershed, Catskill Mountains, New York. Hydrol. Processes 16 1871-1877 http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/fe/watershd/pdf/2002/Vitvar_et_al_2002.pdf
  2. Brutsaert and Nieber, 1977. Regionalized Drought Flow Hydrographs from a Mature Glaciated Plateau. Water Resources Research. Vol. 13, No. 11