Similarity-based approaches in hydrogeology: proposal of a new concept for data-scarce groundwater resource characterization and prediction
Journal article, 2021

A new concept is proposed for describing, analysing and predicting the dynamic behaviour of groundwater resources based on classification and similarity. The concept makes use of the ideas put forward by the “PUB” (predictions in ungauged basins) initiative in surface-water hydrology. One of the approaches developed in PUB uses the principle that similar catchments, exposed to similar weather conditions, will generate a similar discharge response at the catchment outlet. This way, models developed for well-observed catchments can be used to make predictions for ungauged catchments with similar properties (topography, land use, etc.). The concept proposed here applies the same idea to groundwater systems, with the goal to make predictions of the dynamic behaviour of groundwater in poorly observed systems using similarities to well-observed and understood systems. This paper gives an overview of the main ideas, the methodological background, the progress so far, and the challenges that the authors regard as most crucial for further development. One of the main goals of this article is thus to raise interest for this new concept within the groundwater community. There are a multitude of highly interesting aspects to investigate, and a community effort, as with PUB, is required. A second goal is to foster and exchange ideas between the groundwater and surface water research communities who, while often working on similar problems, have often missed the opportunity to learn from each other.

Time series

Similarity

Groundwater management

Groundwater dynamics

Classification

Author

Barthel Roland

University of Gothenburg

Ezra Haaf

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Geology and Geotechnics

Markus Giese

University of Gothenburg

Michelle Nygren

University of Gothenburg

Benedikt Heudorfer

University of Freiburg

Kerstin Stahl

University of Freiburg

Hydrogeology Journal

1431-2174 (ISSN) 14350157 (eISSN)

Vol. 29 5 1693-1709

Subject Categories

Geotechnical Engineering

Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources

Environmental Sciences

DOI

10.1007/s10040-021-02358-4

More information

Latest update

8/17/2021