Work

Influence of Precipitation on the Estimation of Karstic Water Storage Variation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Karst water supplies freshwater to approximately a quarter of the global population and plays a crucial role in supporting the socioeconomic development of karst regions. As a key indicator for assessing and managing karst water resources, karstic water storage variation is influenced not only by the complex structure of karst aquifer media but also by the variability in natural precipitation infiltration. Based on the hydrogeological conditions of a typical karst aquifer system in northern China, this study developed a three-dimensional physical experimental setup and established a corresponding groundwater flow numerical model coupled with equivalent porous media and conduits. The factors affecting spring flow recession were investigated from a source–sink perspective. Precipitation events were categorized into two types: those with the same duration but different intensities and those with the same total volume but different intensities. The influence of varying precipitation events on the estimation of karstic water storage variation was quantitatively evaluated using the exponential fitting method, based on the analysis of spring flow recession curves. These findings could provide scientific guidance for the development, utilization, and protection of karst water resources.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17070986

Authors: Yanan Dong, Yuxi Li, Yang Fu, Longcang Shu, Canzheng Zheng, Xiaonong Hu

Institutions: University of Jinan, Hohai University

Language: English

Topic: Karst Systems and Hydrogeology

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137