Interactions between precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, and groundwater in the Southern High Plains

Date

1999-12

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Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The Texas South High Plains region (SHP) is one of the most productive agricultural areas of the nation. Because the climate is semi-arid, water is a principal concern. The general long-term decline in ground-water levels is of concern to planners and agricultural users alike (High Plains Underground Water District No.1 (HPUWD) 1998).

Some planners are concerned about a general decline in the watershed runoff yield for streams originating or draining portions of the SHP (Wyatt 1998). The purpose of this research project is to examine the relations between groundwater withdrawals, potential evapotranspiration, and variations in precipitation. In addition, general trends in precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, and potential evapotranspiration were examined.

This information is important for regional water management issues such as describing low flow conditions for drought definition, identifying locations of declining streamflow, which may decrease property value and evaluating potential contributions from precipitation enhancement. In addition, this information will serve as a baseline for quantification of the effects of alternative management practices on the watersheds.

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