Groundwater depletion threatens global freshwater resources, necessitating urgent water management and policies to meet current and future needs. However, existing data-intensive approaches to assessments do not fully account for the complex human, climate, and water interactions within transboundary groundwater systems. Here, we present the design of and findings from a pilot participatory modeling workshop aiming to advance understanding of the hydrologic–human–climate feedback loops underpinning groundwater systems. Using participatory modeling tools and methods from the system dynamics tradition, we captured the mental models of researchers from water, social, data, and systems sciences. A total of 54 feedback loops were identified, demonstrating the potential of this methodology to adequately capture the complexity of groundwater systems. Based on the workshop outcomes, as an illustrative example, we discuss the value of participatory system modeling as a conceptualization tool, bridging perspectives across disciplinary silos. We further discuss how outcomes may inform future research on existing knowledge gaps around groundwater issues, and in doing so, advance interdisciplinary, use-inspired research for water decision-making more broadly.
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This content will become publicly available on May 1, 2025
Streamflow Depletion Caused by Groundwater Pumping: Fundamental Research Priorities for Management‐Relevant Science
Reductions in streamflow caused by groundwater pumping, known as “streamflow depletion,” link the hydrologic process of stream‐aquifer interactions to human modifications of the water cycle. Isolating the impacts of groundwater pumping on streamflow is challenging because other climate and human activities concurrently impact streamflow, making it difficult to separate individual drivers of hydrologic change. In addition, there can be lags between when pumping occurs and when streamflow is affected. However, accurate quantification of streamflow depletion is critical to integrated groundwater and surface water management decision making. Here, we highlight research priorities to help advance fundamental hydrologic science and better serve the decision‐making process. Key priorities include (a) linking streamflow depletion to decision‐relevant outcomes such as ecosystem function and water users to align with partner needs; (b) enhancing partner trust and applicability of streamflow depletion methods through benchmarking and coupled model development; and (c) improving links between streamflow depletion quantification and decision‐making processes. Catalyzing research efforts around the common goal of enhancing our streamflow depletion decision‐support capabilities will require disciplinary advances within the water science community and a commitment to transdisciplinary collaboration with diverse water‐connected disciplines, professions, governments, organizations, and communities.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1856084
- PAR ID:
- 10505364
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Geophysical Union
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Water Resources Research
- Volume:
- 60
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 0043-1397
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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