Estimating spatiotemporal variability and sustainability of shallow groundwater in a well-irrigated plain of the Haihe River basin using SWAT model

摘要: Abstract Quantitatively estimating the spatiotemporal variability and sustainability of shallow groundwater with a distributed hydrological model could provide an important basis for proper management, especially in well-irrigated areas. In this study, Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was modified applied to plain Haihe River basin. First, appropriate initial values parameters module were determined based on abundant hydrogeological investigations assessment. Then, satisfactorily calibrated validated using table data from 16 national wells monitored monthly 1993 2010 148 investigated yearly 2006 2012. To further demonstrate model’s rationality, multi-objective validation conducted by comparing simulated balance components, actual evapotranspiration, crop yields multiple sources data. Finally, established SWAT used estimate both fluctuation aquifer water storage change time space. Results showed that average declined at rate 0.69–1.56 m a−1, which depleted almost 350 × 108 m3 cropland during period 1993–2012. Because heterogeneity underlying surface precipitation, these variations spatiotemporally different. Generally, 1.43–1.88 m during winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing season, while it recovered 0.28–0.57 m summer maize (Zea mays season except when precipitation exceptionally scarce. According depletion rate, study area may face crisis within next 80 years. This identified regions where prohibitions or restrictions exploitation should be urgently carried out.