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Dynamic ice formation in channels as a driver for stream‐aquifer interactions
Author(s) -
Weber Matthew D.,
Booth Eric G.,
Loheide Steven P.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/grl.50620
Subject(s) - aquifer , biogeochemical cycle , streams , geology , hydrology (agriculture) , lead (geology) , environmental science , groundwater , geomorphology , chemistry , environmental chemistry , geotechnical engineering , computer network , computer science
This research introduces and provides evidence of a novel mechanism of stream‐aquifer exchange caused by dynamic ice formation on streams. At a stream site in southwestern Wisconsin, we document a significant fluctuation in stream depth and the potentiometric surface in the adjacent aquifer during periods of ice formation, suggesting that stream‐aquifer interactions may be influenced by these transient events. Four years of winter stream data document that dynamic ice formation (1) causes an average increase in stream depth of 106%, (2) affects stream depth on 20% of days from December through February, and (3) substantially alters stream‐aquifer interactions by reducing the hydraulic gradient toward the channel during ice formation events. Dynamic ice formation represents a potentially widespread mechanism for altering stream‐aquifer interactions and associated biogeochemical transformations. The sensitivity of this process to air temperature indicates a need for further research on the impacts of climate warming.