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Effects of Land Use on Recharge Potential of Surficial and Shallow Bedrock Aquifers in the Upper Illinois River Basin

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4027
National Water-Quality Assessment Program
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri004027

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Abstract

The upper Illinois River Basin (UIRB) is the 10,949-square-mile drainage area upstream from Ottawa, Illinois on the Illinois River and is one of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program study units. To assist in the interpretation of groundwater data that will be collected during the course of the UIRB study, the study-unit team designed a spatial model to describe recharge potential of surficial and shallow bedrock aquifers. The following factors, identified as having an effect on recharge potential, were incorporated into the model: land use, soil permeability, type and thickness of surficial deposits, and uppermost bedrock geology. Other models designed to simulate recharge potential and the potential for contamination that were examined during the preparation of this model included factors similar to those included in this model, with the exception of land use. Land use and changes in land use over time, however, can affect recharge potential. The UIRB model was used to simulate recharge potential with and without incorporating land use. A comparison of the simulation results showed that recharge potential was overestimated in some areas and underestimated in other areas when land use was not included in the model. Comparisons of simulations that used 1970 and estimated 1990 land use showed changes in recharge potential over time.

Suggested Citation

Arnold, T.L., and Friedel, M.J., 2000, Effects of land use on recharge potential of surficial and shallow bedrock aquifers in the upper Illinois River basin: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00–4027, 18 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri004027.

Table of Contents

  • Foreword
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methodology
  • Effects of Land Use on Recharge Potential
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Effects of land use on recharge potential of surficial and shallow bedrock aquifers in the upper Illinois River basin
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2000-4027
DOI 10.3133/wri004027
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Illinois Water Science Center
Description vi, 18 p.
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