| Ecosystems in river valleys are affected mainly by the hydraulic conditions in
wetlands including groundwater dynamics. The quantitative prediction of changes in
groundwater dynamics caused by river embankment relocation requires numerical modelling
using a physically-based approach. Groundwater recharge from the intermittently flooded
river plains was determined by a leakage approach considering soil hydraulic properties.
For the study area in the Elbe river valley north of Magdeburg, Germany, a calibrated
groundwater flow model was established and the groundwater dynamics for the present
situation as well as for the case of embankment relocation were simulated over a
14-year time period. Changes in groundwater depth derived from simulated groundwater
levels occurred only during flood periods. By analysing the spatial distributions of
changes in statistical parameters, those areas with significant impact on the ecosystems
by embankment relocation can be determined.
Keywords: groundwater dynamics,groundwater recharge, flood plains, soil hydraulic
properties, numerical modelling, river embankment relocation |