Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions Along A Riparian Stretch Of The Â鶹ӰԺ Creek, Â鶹ӰԺ, CO
Babcock, Kenneth PÌý1Ìý;ÌýGe, SheminÌý2
1ÌýUniversity of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ
2ÌýUniversity of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ
The purpose of this study is to gain a scientific understanding of the groundwater-surface water interactions occurring between Â鶹ӰԺ Creek and an alluvial aquifer. The study area is located at the Sawhill and Walden Ponds in Â鶹ӰԺ, Colorado. This area is the property of the City of Â鶹ӰԺ and Â鶹ӰԺ County who reclaimed the area after gravel mining operations ceased in the 1970’s. Consequently, groundwater has filled in the gravel pits and riparian vegetation has re-grown.
An integrated approach is used to examine the study area through field measurements and numerical modeling. Collected field data suggests alluvial conductivities of 3.5-7 ft/day. Groundwater level monitoring from August to present has indicated decreasing baseflow conditions with sporadic stage increases correlated to precipitation events. Field data is used in numerical simulations to predict the extent that the stream influences the hydraulic gradient of the alluvial aquifer. It is hypothesized that the patterns of groundwater-surface water interaction will be a function of high or low flows in, and distance from Â鶹ӰԺ Creek.
Anticipated benefits of this study include an increased understanding of the hydrologic processes occurring in the riparian ecosystem and insight into future methods of maintaining the health of this and other riparian ecosystems. An applied understanding of these interactions will contribute to both the local community and to the broad scientific community.