The impact of a shallow biobarrier on water recharge patterns in a semi-arid environment
- Idaho State Univ., Pocatello, ID (United States)
This study attempted to measure the effect of a shallow biobarrier of gravel and cobble on water flow patterns during spring snow melt and recharge. The design consisted of 30 metal culverts 3 m in diameter and 1.6 m long, positioned on end. Test culverts contained 50-cm biobarrier of gravel or cobble and then an additional 50 cm of soil placed above the barrier layer. A neutron probe was used to measure soil moisture above and below the barrier. Measurements were made in the fall and again immediately after snow melt in the spring. During recharge, the biobarriers provided a capillary break which resulted in a pooling of water above the barrier layer. With sufficient snowmelt, the water can penetrate the break and possibly penetrate deeper than in the absence of the barrier layer.
- Research Organization:
- US Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 576535
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970208-Proc.; ON: DE98001967; TRN: 98:005158
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International containment technology conference and exhibition, St. Petersburg, FL (United States), 9-12 Feb 1997; Other Information: PBD: [1997]; Related Information: Is Part Of International Containment Technology Conference: Proceedings; PB: 1140 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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