Sagehen Creek Field Station

08 Aug, 02 AM - 31 Dec, 09 AM

Measuring Hyporheic and Total Transient Storage in Sagehen Creek Objectives of this study are as follows: ? Quantify stream water exchange with hyporheic zone ? Measure temperature flux in the stream due to groundwater-surface water exchange The hyporheic zone is a region along the bottom of the streambed where shallow groundwater and surface water meet. It influences stream hydrology by taking water from the stream during high flow periods, storing it, and releasing it during lower flow periods. Water exchange between streams and their hyporheic zone is thought to serve as a buffer regulating both streamflow and stream water temperature, as the cool shallow groundwater offsets heat input during warmer months. Methods In coordination with the Station Manager, we will identify 2-3 new transects along Sagehen Creek within the meadow area near meteorological station #1 that will complement the existing transect of piezometers (i.e., we will probably aim to put in a transect of piezometers upstream and downstream of the existing transect in the meadow). Each transect will include the installation of 3-5 shallow piezometers. Each piezometer will be constructed of 1.5? diameter PVC pipe and, when installed, will rise approximately 6-12? above the ground or stream surface. Each piezometer will include a Hobo water level and temperature sensor with a data logger to record the groundwater temperature and head. Each transect will require a water temperature and head measurement of the stream - these will be constructed the same as the existing water temperature and head measurement instrumentation in place for the existing transect. All measurements (stage and temperature) will be recorded at 30 minute intervals. The results will be used in a computer model to estimate the Hyporheic and Total Transient Storage in Sagehen Creek. We expect that the measurements will take place between August and early December 2011. At the end of the experiment, we will remove the equipment and repair and disturbed soils as directed by the Station Manager.

Visit #25941 @Sagehen Creek Field Station

Approved

Under Project # 24023 | Research

Measuring Hyporheic and Total Transient Storage in Sagehen Creek

faculty - University of Nevada

Reservation Members(s)

Douglas Boyle Aug 8 - Dec 31, 2011 (146 days)
Group of 2 Faculty Aug 8 - Dec 31, 2011 (146 days)
Group of 3 Undergraduate Student Aug 8 - Dec 31, 2011 (146 days)

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Day Use 6 Aug 8 - Dec 31, 2011