A Study of Coastal Headwater Stream Hydrology: Bannockburn Plantation, Georgetown County, SC (original) (raw)

2009 Reno, Nevada, June 21 - June 24, 2009, 2009

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coastal headwater streams in undeveloped forested landscapes function as a natural storage and conveyance mechanism for rainfall and groundwater. Stream flows are often driven by groundwater table depth, while soil saturation with a high water table may drive rainfall response. Evapotranspiration also plays a significant role in groundwater levels and influences stream flows both seasonally and diurnally. The dynamics of coastal forested watersheds are complex, and water budgets of these low gradient headwater streams are difficult to quantify.The importance of understanding these hydrologic dynamics is critical to water resources protection and flooding prevention in coastal landscapes, especially as forested areas are being converted to residential and commercial development. Baseline hydrology must be assessed as a benchmark for sustainable development goals over the course of land use change, and understanding short- and long-term responses from the conversion of forest lands to urban areas can minimize negative effects in terms of water quantity and quality. Toward the goal of quantifying the water budget in a pre-development forested watershed, stream flows, groundwater levels, and rainfall are being measured in an approximately 800-acre coastal watershed, Upper Debidue Creek, at Bannockburn Plantation in coastal South Carolina, USA. Evapotranspiration rates are also being estimated as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is being measured on site with nearby total solar radiation measurements also being taken. Water quality measurements (temperature, conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen) are also being collected. Preliminary data being used for water budget estimates and rainfall-runoff relationships from Upper Debidue Creek will be presented.

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