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Cited by 47Groundwater and Isotope GeochemistryWater Quality and Resources StudiesGroundwater flow and contamination studies

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Recharge rates and chemistry beneath playas of the High Plains aquifer: A literature review and synthesis

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Abstract

Playas are ephemeral, closed-basin wetlands that are important zones of recharge to the High Plains (or Ogallala) aquifer and critical habitat for birds and other wildlife in the otherwise semiarid, shortgrass prairie and agricultural landscape. The ephemeral nature of playas, low regional recharge rates, and a strong reliance on ground water from the High Plains aquifer has prompted many questions regarding the contribution of recharge from playas to the regional aquifer. To address these questions and concerns, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, present a review and synthesis of the more than 175 publications about recharge rates and chemistry beneath playas and interplaya settings. Although a number of questions remain regarding the controls on recharge rates and chemistry beneath playas, the results from most published studies indicate that recharge rates beneath playas are substantially (1 to 2 orders of magnitude) higher than recharge rates beneath interplaya settings. The synthesis presented here supports the conceptual model that playas are important zones of recharge to the High Plains aquifer and are not strictly evaporative pans. The major findings of this synthesis yield science-based implications for the protection and management of playas and ground-water resources of the High Plains aquifer and directions for future research.

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Research works printed but not linked: 71

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Metadata

Authors
Gurdak, J. J., & Roe, C. D.
Venue
Circular
Published
2009
ISSN
  • 1067-084X (ISSN-L)
  • 2330-5703
OpenAlex
W2262245772
Cited by
47
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 3 · 2012: 2
Type
report
Language
en
Open access
Locations
U.S. Geological Survey circular/U.S. Geological Survey Circular (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  • U.S. Geological Survey
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geochemistry and Petrology › Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Water Quality and Resources Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › Groundwater flow and contamination studies
Keywords
playa, Ogallala aquifer, groundwater recharge rate, ephemeral wetlands, groundwater resources

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