The role of bedrock circulation depth and porosity in mountain streamflow response to prolonged drought
Geophysical Research Letters
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Abstract
Quantitative understanding is lacking on how the depth of active groundwater circulation in
bedrock affects mountain streamflow response to a multi‐year drought. We use an integrated hydrological model to explore the sensitivity of a variety of streamflow metrics to bedrock circulation depth and porosity under a plausible extreme drought scenario lasting up to 5 years. Endmember depth versus hydraulic conductivity relationships and porosity values for fractured crystalline rock are simulated. With drought, a deeper circulation system with higher drainable porosity more effectively buffers minimum flow and significantly limits perennial stream loss in comparison to a shallow circulation system. Streamflow buffering is accomplished through extensive groundwater storage loss. However, deeper circulation systems experience prolonged recovery from drought in comparison to storage‐limited shallow systems. Research highlights the importance of characterizing the deeper bedrock hydrogeology in mountainous watersheds to better understand and predict drought impacts on stream ecosystem health and water resource sustainability.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The role of bedrock circulation depth and porosity in mountain streamflow response to prolonged drought |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/2024GL112927 |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Contributing office(s) | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center |
| Description | e2024GL112927, 12 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| Other Geospatial | Copper Creek |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |