Quantifying components of the hydrologic cycle in Virginia using chemical hydrograph separation and multiple regression analysis

Sanford, Ward E.; Nelms, David L.; Pope, Jason P.; Selnick, David L.

Abstract:

This study by the U.S. Geological Survey, prepared in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, quantifies the components of the hydrologic cycle across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Long-term, mean fluxes were calculated for precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, total evapotranspiration (ET), riparian ET, recharge, base flow (or groundwater discharge) and net total outflow. Fluxes of these components were first estimated on a number of real-time-gaged watersheds across Virginia. Specific conductance was used to distinguish and separate surface runoff from base flow. Specific-conductance data were collected every 15 minutes at 75 real-time gages for approximately 18 months between March 2007 and August 2008. Precipitation was estimated for 1971–2000 using PRISM climate data. Precipitation and temperature from the PRISM data were used to develop a regression-based relation to estimate total ET. The proportion of watershed precipitation that becomes surface runoff was related to physiographic province and rock type in a runoff regression equation. Component flux estimates from the watersheds were transferred to flux estimates for counties and independent cities using the ET and runoff regression equations. Only 48 of the 75 watersheds yielded sufficient data, and data from these 48 were used in the final runoff regression equation. The base-flow proportion for the 48 watersheds averaged 72 percent using specific conductance, a value that was substantially higher than the 61 percent average calculated using a graphical-separation technique (the USGS program PART). Final results for the study are presented as component flux estimates for all counties and independent cities in Virginia.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

70038644

Citation Author:

Sanford, Ward E.; Nelms, David L.; Pope, Jason P.; Selnick, David L.

Citation Contributing Office:

National Research Program

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Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Citation LatN:

0393700

Citation LatS:

0363100

Citation LonE:

-0751300

Citation LonW:

-0833700

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Citation Phsyical Description:

xi, 78 p.; PDF Download of Appendix 1; PDF Download of Appendix 2

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Prepared with support from the U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Resources Program in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Scientific Investigations Report

Citation Series Code:

SIR

Citation Series Number:

2011-5198

Citation Search Results Text:

Quantifying components of the hydrologic cycle in Virginia using chemical hydrograph separation and multiple regression analysis; 2012; SIR; 2011-5198; Sanford, Ward E.; Nelms, David L.; Pope, Jason P.; Selnick, David L.