Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of
First Advisor
Erin Haacker
Second Advisor
Sorab Panday
Third Advisor
Irina Filina
Date of this Version
11-2023
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Major: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Under the Supervision of Professor Erin Haacker
Lincoln, Nebraska, November 2023
Abstract
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) has developed several hydrologic models to help effectively manage water resources in the state. These models guide water managers to allocate surface and groundwater supplies to a range of uses (irrigation, environmental protection, interstate water agreements) and evaluate the impacts of changes to the surface water-groundwater system (e.g., new wells, evolving recharge patterns). Two such models, the Central Nebraska (CENEB) model and the Cooperative Hydrology Study (COHYST) model cover north central and south central Nebraska, respectively, but the model domains overlap along a west-east strip between the Platte and Loup Rivers, enabling direct comparison of these two regulatory models. This investigation compared calibrated values of model parameters, predicted groundwater levels, and response to changes in recharge from the CENEB and COHYST models within the common area to assess similarities and differences in model construction and behavior. The models were found to differ in their distribution of hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, and head estimates, although their average values were similar. The two models responded very differently when stressed with additional recharge, with proportionally more recharge in CENEB allocated to storage rather than flux.
Advisor: Erin Haacker
Included in
Environmental Policy Commons, Fresh Water Studies Commons, Infrastructure Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Copyright 2023, William R. Moak