(1) US Geological Survey, MS 413, Box 25046, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado 80225, USA,;(2) CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 2, Glen Osmond SA 5064, Australia,
Abstract:
Accurate estimation of groundwater recharge is extremely important for proper management of groundwater systems. Many different
approaches exist for estimating recharge. This paper presents a review of methods that are based on groundwater-level data.
The water-table fluctuation method may be the most widely used technique for estimating recharge; it requires knowledge of
specific yield and changes in water levels over time. Advantages of this approach include its simplicity and an insensitivity
to the mechanism by which water moves through the unsaturated zone. Uncertainty in estimates generated by this method relate
to the limited accuracy with which specific yield can be determined and to the extent to which assumptions inherent in the
method are valid. Other methods that use water levels (mostly based on the Darcy equation) are also described. The theory
underlying the methods is explained. Examples from the literature are used to illustrate applications of the different methods.
Electronic Publication