Assessment of Time Series as a Methodology to Quantify Irrigation Return Flows

摘要

A mathematical technique known as time series analysis was tested as a potential method for return flow quantification. The time series approach for characterizing irrigation return flows offers the advantage of reduced data requirements when compared to finite difference and finite element numerical procedures. Much of the data required for time series analysis is routinely collected. Stream-flow records, in particular, are available at numerous locations and constitute a generally reliable network of time series observations. A reach of the Beaverhead River near Dillon, Montana, was selected for this study. Groundwater return flow is the major component of return flow to the Beaverhead River during the irrigation season.