Civil Engineering ETDs

Sadia Faiza

Publication Date

7-1-2011

Abstract

Ground water and surface water are typically considered as separate entities, but all surface water features interact with ground water in different ways. Better understanding of ground water-surface water interaction is important for effective land and water management. This study investigated the impact of surface water on ground water levels as well as soil moisture content in a small region of Albuquerque Biopark near the Rio Grande. This study involved collection of field data on soil moisture, ground water levels and observations of vegetation densities adjacent to the Biopark wetlands. Numerical models were developed of the influence of the river stage on ground water levels near the wetlands and of the interaction between the wetlands and the ground water. Model results were consistent with field measurements, suggesting that the major processes affecting surface water-ground water interaction were included and well described in the model. The study results indicate that Biopark wetlands produces elevated soil moisture surrounding the wetlands and mounds the water table locally. The additional moisture is reflected in vegetation changes adjacent to the wetlands, consistent with the goals of the Biopark in terms of increasing biodiversity. The model and analysis approach developed for the Biopark can be used for other wetland system with shallow water tables.

Keywords

Water balance (Hydrology)--New Mexico--Albuquerque, Water balance (Hydrology)--Rio Grande, Water table--New Mexico--Albuquerque, Groundwater flow--New Mexico-Albuquerque, Groundwater mounding--New Mexico--Albuquerque, Soil moisture--New Mexico--Albuquerque.

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Coonrod, Julie E.A.

Second Committee Member

Stone, Mark

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