Effect of climatic change on groundwater and low flow

In view of the predicted rise in temperature and the change in the variability of precipitation, it is very likely that the current processes of global warming will lead to more prolonged and severe drought events in Switzerland. Prolonged drought periods are critical for water supply, aquatic ecology and the groundwater systems and will have especially in summer an influence on water temperature and water quality. During such drought periods streamflow in rivers are mostly governed by groundwater. Consequently the interactions between groundwater and surface waters (GW-SW-interaction) have to be considered to improve the understanding of low flow generation processes. These interactions are characterized by a high spatial and temporal variability among different catchments. This project analyses the GW-SW-interactions of several catchments in Switzerland by the means of a combined hydrogeological and hydrological modeling approach to quantify the influence of climatic change, catchment characteristics and water management on low flow and to develop monitoring strategies and recommendations for stakeholders concerned with low flows. The model approach combines both hydrogeological structures of the GW-SW-interface and hydrological concepts of the catchment scale. Thus, existing knowledge about the hydrogeology and hydrology of the study catchments is utilized to create a transferable model application for catchments in other regions and also long-term drought periods. The knowledge gained from this project will support adaption to the impacts of climatic change. Tools for management of water resources during drought periods should be developed, such as the identification of catchments and regions with a high risk of future low flows, the improvement of early warning systems and a classification of rivers by different drought-drivers (climate controls, catchment controls, water management and supply).

contact person: Prof. Dr. Markus Weiler
Phone: +49(0)761 203 3535
Email: markus.weiler@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de

Start of project: 01.11.2013
End of project: 31.12.2016

Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg
Stahl K, Weiler M

Actual Research Report

• Stölzle M
• Heudorfer B

• Eidgenössisches Departement / BAFU, Sonstiges

Dürre, Niedrigwasser, Grundwasser, Früherkennung, Modellierung, Beobachtung, Schweiz