Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data (2024)

Abstract

In large parts of the Netherlands, agricultural potential is largely determined by water table depth. In turn, the water table depth is controlled by the surface water levels of a network of drainage ditches. Consequently, the gross return from agricultural production can be maximised by manipulating the surface water levels in these ditches. The traditional mode of surface water control consists of a weir with a fixed crest level at the outlet of a control area or catchment. A recent development is the use of groundwater dependent surface water control: the crest level of an adjustable weir is set according to measurements of the water table depth. For both modes of surface water control the crest levels of the controlling weir are adapted to the surface elevation at some reference location. The gross return from agricultural production thus depends on both the mode of surface water control and the choice of the reference location. A method is developed to estimate the performance of a mode of surface water control when adapted to a given reference location. Performance is measured in terms of the estimated average gross return of a control area (in Dutch guilders per ha per year). The method combines a soil water model with detailed surface elevation data from laser scanning and accounts for the unknown spatial variation of soil-physical and hydrological properties by means of a Monte Carlo approach. Although it is developed for the specific purpose of evaluating modes of surface water control, the method presented here is more generic. It is in fact a general procedure that uses densely sampled auxiliary information for mapping the results of expensive model calculations and the associated uncertainty. The method is applied in a control area in the north of the Netherlands. It is used to compare the performance of a traditional mode of surface water control with a groundwater dependent mode of surface water control and to estimate the best reference location for both modes. It is found that the traditional mode of surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the higher parts of the control area, while the groundwater dependent surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the lower parts. Maximum values of estimated average gross return that can be obtained for both modes of surface water control are approximately the same. However, contrary to the traditional mode of surface water control, the maximum value for groundwater dependent surface water control is obtained almost without adversely affecting the farmers in the lower parts of the control area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)149-175
Number of pages27
JournalGeoderma
Volume89
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 1999

Keywords

  • Gross return
  • Spatial variation
  • Stochastic simulation
  • Surface water
  • Water table

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

View full fingerprint

Cite this

  • APA
  • Author
  • BIBTEX
  • Harvard
  • Standard
  • RIS
  • Vancouver

Bierkens, M. F. P., Van Bakel, P. J. T., & Wesseling, J. G. (1999). Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data. Geoderma, 89(1-2), 149-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6

Bierkens, M. F.P. ; Van Bakel, P. J.T. ; Wesseling, J. G. / Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data. In: Geoderma. 1999 ; Vol. 89, No. 1-2. pp. 149-175.

@article{a9f89ee5ed75459e8e7a6abdabf0bcd2,

title = "Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data",

abstract = "In large parts of the Netherlands, agricultural potential is largely determined by water table depth. In turn, the water table depth is controlled by the surface water levels of a network of drainage ditches. Consequently, the gross return from agricultural production can be maximised by manipulating the surface water levels in these ditches. The traditional mode of surface water control consists of a weir with a fixed crest level at the outlet of a control area or catchment. A recent development is the use of groundwater dependent surface water control: the crest level of an adjustable weir is set according to measurements of the water table depth. For both modes of surface water control the crest levels of the controlling weir are adapted to the surface elevation at some reference location. The gross return from agricultural production thus depends on both the mode of surface water control and the choice of the reference location. A method is developed to estimate the performance of a mode of surface water control when adapted to a given reference location. Performance is measured in terms of the estimated average gross return of a control area (in Dutch guilders per ha per year). The method combines a soil water model with detailed surface elevation data from laser scanning and accounts for the unknown spatial variation of soil-physical and hydrological properties by means of a Monte Carlo approach. Although it is developed for the specific purpose of evaluating modes of surface water control, the method presented here is more generic. It is in fact a general procedure that uses densely sampled auxiliary information for mapping the results of expensive model calculations and the associated uncertainty. The method is applied in a control area in the north of the Netherlands. It is used to compare the performance of a traditional mode of surface water control with a groundwater dependent mode of surface water control and to estimate the best reference location for both modes. It is found that the traditional mode of surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the higher parts of the control area, while the groundwater dependent surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the lower parts. Maximum values of estimated average gross return that can be obtained for both modes of surface water control are approximately the same. However, contrary to the traditional mode of surface water control, the maximum value for groundwater dependent surface water control is obtained almost without adversely affecting the farmers in the lower parts of the control area.",

keywords = "Gross return, Spatial variation, Stochastic simulation, Surface water, Water table",

author = "Bierkens, {M. F.P.} and {Van Bakel}, {P. J.T.} and Wesseling, {J. G.}",

year = "1999",

month = apr,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6",

language = "English",

volume = "89",

pages = "149--175",

journal = "Geoderma",

issn = "0016-7061",

publisher = "Elsevier",

number = "1-2",

}

Bierkens, MFP, Van Bakel, PJT & Wesseling, JG 1999, 'Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data', Geoderma, vol. 89, no. 1-2, pp. 149-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6

Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data. / Bierkens, M. F.P.; Van Bakel, P. J.T.; Wesseling, J. G.
In: Geoderma, Vol. 89, No. 1-2, 01.04.1999, p. 149-175.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data

AU - Bierkens, M. F.P.

AU - Van Bakel, P. J.T.

AU - Wesseling, J. G.

PY - 1999/4/1

Y1 - 1999/4/1

N2 - In large parts of the Netherlands, agricultural potential is largely determined by water table depth. In turn, the water table depth is controlled by the surface water levels of a network of drainage ditches. Consequently, the gross return from agricultural production can be maximised by manipulating the surface water levels in these ditches. The traditional mode of surface water control consists of a weir with a fixed crest level at the outlet of a control area or catchment. A recent development is the use of groundwater dependent surface water control: the crest level of an adjustable weir is set according to measurements of the water table depth. For both modes of surface water control the crest levels of the controlling weir are adapted to the surface elevation at some reference location. The gross return from agricultural production thus depends on both the mode of surface water control and the choice of the reference location. A method is developed to estimate the performance of a mode of surface water control when adapted to a given reference location. Performance is measured in terms of the estimated average gross return of a control area (in Dutch guilders per ha per year). The method combines a soil water model with detailed surface elevation data from laser scanning and accounts for the unknown spatial variation of soil-physical and hydrological properties by means of a Monte Carlo approach. Although it is developed for the specific purpose of evaluating modes of surface water control, the method presented here is more generic. It is in fact a general procedure that uses densely sampled auxiliary information for mapping the results of expensive model calculations and the associated uncertainty. The method is applied in a control area in the north of the Netherlands. It is used to compare the performance of a traditional mode of surface water control with a groundwater dependent mode of surface water control and to estimate the best reference location for both modes. It is found that the traditional mode of surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the higher parts of the control area, while the groundwater dependent surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the lower parts. Maximum values of estimated average gross return that can be obtained for both modes of surface water control are approximately the same. However, contrary to the traditional mode of surface water control, the maximum value for groundwater dependent surface water control is obtained almost without adversely affecting the farmers in the lower parts of the control area.

AB - In large parts of the Netherlands, agricultural potential is largely determined by water table depth. In turn, the water table depth is controlled by the surface water levels of a network of drainage ditches. Consequently, the gross return from agricultural production can be maximised by manipulating the surface water levels in these ditches. The traditional mode of surface water control consists of a weir with a fixed crest level at the outlet of a control area or catchment. A recent development is the use of groundwater dependent surface water control: the crest level of an adjustable weir is set according to measurements of the water table depth. For both modes of surface water control the crest levels of the controlling weir are adapted to the surface elevation at some reference location. The gross return from agricultural production thus depends on both the mode of surface water control and the choice of the reference location. A method is developed to estimate the performance of a mode of surface water control when adapted to a given reference location. Performance is measured in terms of the estimated average gross return of a control area (in Dutch guilders per ha per year). The method combines a soil water model with detailed surface elevation data from laser scanning and accounts for the unknown spatial variation of soil-physical and hydrological properties by means of a Monte Carlo approach. Although it is developed for the specific purpose of evaluating modes of surface water control, the method presented here is more generic. It is in fact a general procedure that uses densely sampled auxiliary information for mapping the results of expensive model calculations and the associated uncertainty. The method is applied in a control area in the north of the Netherlands. It is used to compare the performance of a traditional mode of surface water control with a groundwater dependent mode of surface water control and to estimate the best reference location for both modes. It is found that the traditional mode of surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the higher parts of the control area, while the groundwater dependent surface water control is best adapted to a reference location from the lower parts. Maximum values of estimated average gross return that can be obtained for both modes of surface water control are approximately the same. However, contrary to the traditional mode of surface water control, the maximum value for groundwater dependent surface water control is obtained almost without adversely affecting the farmers in the lower parts of the control area.

KW - Gross return

KW - Spatial variation

KW - Stochastic simulation

KW - Surface water

KW - Water table

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0032950241&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6

DO - 10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:0032950241

SN - 0016-7061

VL - 89

SP - 149

EP - 175

JO - Geoderma

JF - Geoderma

IS - 1-2

ER -

Bierkens MFP, Van Bakel PJT, Wesseling JG. Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data. Geoderma. 1999 Apr 1;89(1-2):149-175. doi: 10.1016/S0016-7061(98)00125-6

Comparison of two modes of surface water control using a soil water model and surface elevation data (2024)

FAQs

What are the major differences and similarities between the water quality of a typical surface water and typical groundwater source? ›

Because groundwater typically contains fewer contaminants than surface water, it's less expensive and easier to treat. While surface waters are commonly found in streams and lakes, groundwater can be accessed in wells wherever the water is needed, which makes it easier to get to.

What are the two points of difference between surface water and groundwater? ›

Surface water includes any fresh water that flows into wetlands, river systems and lakes. Groundwater is found in underground aquifers located beneath the ground. Most groundwater comes from snowmelt and rainfall and enters bedrock through the surrounding soil.

What are the similarities between surface water and groundwater? ›

They both come from rainfall. Surface water is the result of horizontal flow, often called runoff. Groundwater is the result of vertical flow, usually referred to as percolation. Near streams, the two are generally part of the same hydrology system.

What is the difference between surface water and groundwater Quizlet? ›

Surface water is all water above the land, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, floodwater, and runoff. Ground water is the water beneath the surface of the earth, consisting largely of surface water that has seeped down: the source of water in springs and wells.

What is the difference between groundwater and soil water? ›

The term groundwater usually refers to all subsurface water beneath the water table (the interface between the vadose and saturated zones, or the top of the saturated zone) in soils and geologic formations that are fully saturated. This definition excludes soil pore water in the vadose or unsaturated zone.

Are there general differences in the natural quality of groundwater and surface water? ›

Each source of water has a unique set of contaminants; groundwater stores pesticide chemicals and nitrate while surface water contains most bacteria and other microorganisms. Because of the interconnectedness of groundwater and surface water, these contaminants may be shared between the two sources.

What is the relationship between ground and surface water? ›

Surface water seeps into the ground and recharges the underlying aquifer—groundwater discharges to the surface and supplies the stream with baseflow. USGS Integrated Watershed Studies assess these exchanges and their effect on surface-water and groundwater quality and quantity.

What are 2 ways surface water can become groundwater? ›

Some precipitation that falls on land may soak into the ground becoming groundwater, through a process known as infiltration. Groundwater may seep out of the ground at a spring or into a body of water such as the ocean. Some groundwater may be taken up by plant roots. Some may flow deeper underground to an aquifer.

What are the different types of surface and groundwater sources? ›

of Ground Water and Surface Water

The water on the Earth's surface—surface water—occurs as streams, lakes, and wetlands, as well as bays and oceans. Surface water also includes the solid forms of water— snow and ice. The water below the surface of the Earth primarily is ground water, but it also includes soil water.

Why is groundwater safer than surface water? ›

Ground water is less susceptible to bacterial pollution than surface water because the soil and rocks through which ground water flows screen out most of the bacteria. Bacteria, however, occasionally find their way into ground water, sometimes in dangerously high concentrations.

How do surface water and aquifers differ? ›

Surface water may be obtained directly; aquifers must be pumped. Only surface water can be used to supply drinking water for communities. Surface water can contain salt, but aquifers cannot.

Are surface water and groundwater are interconnected systems? ›

Surface water and groundwater systems are connected in most landscapes. Streams interact with groundwater in three basic ways: streams gain water from inflow of groundwater through the streambed, streams lose water by outflow through the streambed, or they do both depending upon the location along the stream.

Which of the following best describes the difference between surface and groundwater? ›

Precipitation is the primary source of surface water. Ground water is defined as the water found underground in the cracks and space in the soil, sand and rock. Thus, the best describes the difference between surface and groundwater is stored in porous rock and aquifers.

What are the differences and similarities between groundwater and aquifers in Quizlet? ›

Groundwater is all the water that infiltrates the ground. All water in aquifers is groundwater, but not all groundwater is an aquifer. Aquifers are special formations and materials that hold groundwater.

What is the relationship between groundwater and surface water quizizz? ›

Groundwater filters through the soil to form surface water. Surface water is found in lakes directly above underground water sources.

What is the difference between water quality and water quantity? ›

Water quantity is the timing and total yield of water from a watershed, and is measured by total yield and peak flow over a specified period of time. Water quality is the suitability of water for drinking, recreational uses, and as habitat for aquatic organisms and other wildlife (Neary 2002).

How do the meanings of the terms differ surface water and groundwater? ›

The water on the Earth's surface—surface water—occurs as streams, lakes, and wetlands, as well as bays and oceans. Surface water also includes the solid forms of water— snow and ice. The water below the surface of the Earth primarily is ground water, but it also includes soil water.

How are groundwater and surface water related? ›

Surface water seeps into the ground and recharges the underlying aquifer—groundwater discharges to the surface and supplies the stream with baseflow. USGS Integrated Watershed Studies assess these exchanges and their effect on surface-water and groundwater quality and quantity.

What is the difference between water quality and water supply? ›

Water quality is measured according to many characteristics, including pH, color, taste, dissolved metals and salts, organics, radon, heavy metals and drug content. Water supply considers how accessible that water is to humans, and involves the use of pumps, pipes, taps or wells.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6090

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.