Evaluation of selected model constraints and variables on simulated sustainable yield from the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer system in Arkansas

Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5138
Prepared in cooperation with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
By:

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Abstract

An existing conjunctive use optimization model of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer was used to evaluate the effect of selected constraints and model variables on ground-water sustainable yield. Modifications to the optimization model were made to evaluate the effects of varying (1) the upper limit of ground-water withdrawal rates, (2) the streamflow constraint associated with the White River, and (3) the specified stage of the White River. Upper limits of ground-water withdrawal rates were reduced to 75, 50, and 25 percent of the 1997 ground-water withdrawal rates. As the upper limit is reduced, the spatial distribution of sustainable pumping increases, although the total sustainable pumping from the entire model area decreases. In addition, the number of binding constraint points decreases. In a separate analysis, the streamflow constraint associated with the White River was optimized, resulting in an estimate of the maximum sustainable streamflow at DeValls Bluff, Arkansas, the site of potential surface-water withdrawals from the White River for the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration Project. The maximum sustainable streamflow, however, is less than the amount of streamflow allocated in the spring during the paddlefish spawning period. Finally, decreasing the specified stage of the White River was done to evaluate a hypothetical river stage that might result if the White River were to breach the Melinda Head Cut Structure, one of several manmade diversions that prevents the White River from permanently joining the Arkansas River. A reduction in the stage of the White River causes reductions in the sustainable yield of ground water.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation of selected model constraints and variables on simulated sustainable yield from the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer system in Arkansas
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2008-5138
DOI 10.3133/sir20085138
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Arkansas Water Science Center
Description iv, 22 p.
Country United States
State Arkansas
Other Geospatial Mississippi River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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