This project investigates the spatial and temporal variability of ground-water surface-water exchange in response to changes in the geometry and hydrogeologic properties of this interface that are driven by episodic and sustained fluvial and hydrologic events. Episodic events are common and occur across a broad range of physical and climatic settings and are rarely accounted for in scientific investigations or resource management. Linkages between a dynamic sediment-water interface and the resulting fluxes between ground water and surface water need to be understood, quantified, and modeled to determine their influence on the quantity and quality of our Nation’s water resources as well as the ecological changes that occur at this important ecotone. Quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of these linkages across the full spectrum of fresh-water settings, including streams and rivers, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries, is required, followed by determination of the larger scale significance of these processes and linkages related to surface-water and ground-water supply, water quality, and water storage.
The significance of these processes with regard to climate change also is investigated through a continuation of three decades of data collection at three long-term field sites. Hydrogeologists, geomorphologists, geochemists and ecologists conduct periodic research at these sites during multi-year and decadal-scale climate cycles ultimately to predict system responses to climate change of greater significance and duration.
