Estimation of Recharge in a Small Southern Arizona Basin by Means of Hydrological, Hydrochemical, and Environmental Isotope Data

摘要

A mathematical model is proposed to estimate the ratios between various components of recharge into an alluvial aquifer system. The model is similar in principle to one developed earlier by Woolhiser et al. (1982) the river channels. It is based on long-term average mass balance expressions applied to water and various dissolved chemical constituents, coupled with a quadratic programming optimization scheme. The suitability of this model to the semiarid Aravaipa basin in southern Arizona is explored. Potential components of recharge into the basin are identified qualitatively on the basis of hydro-geological, hydrological, hydrochemical, and hydroisotope data. A method to obtain quantitative estimates of these components is outlined. Actual application of the quantitative model to the Aravaipa basin will be the subject of a future report.