Ecohydrology

Surface water and groundwater relationships in treated (juniper removed) and untreated watersheds and their connecting riparian valley were studied. Study results show relatively rapid water transport through the soil profile and into the shallow aquifer in both watersheds. This is particularly true during the winter precipitation season. Summer precipitation events resulted in soil moisture response across the top 32-inch soil profile but did not have an effect in shallow groundwater. A longer subsurface flow residence time was found in the treated watershed when compared to the untreated. Similarly, greater springflow and runoff rates were observed in the treated watershed. Study results indicate there are temporary hydrologic connections through the shallow groundwater systems between upland watersheds and valley locations during the winter precipitation season. An isotope trace analysis showed a similar isotopic signature for upland and valley well locations, indicating there are temporary hydrologic connections through the shallow groundwater system.