Evaluation of precipitation effects on groundwater levels in a Mediterranean alluvial plain based on hydrogeological conceptualization.

This paper presents the study of the impact of precipitation changes on alluvial aquifer systems in Xanthi Prefecture plain region, Greece. Two study areas were investigated, taking into account several hydrological and hydrogeological data for a time period of 23 years (1989-2011) measured and elaborated in the framework of the hydrogeological conceptual model assessment of the aquifer systems. It is considered that the evaluation and presentation of this kind of material is informative and quite necessary enforcing the reliability of the approach of the research presented in this paper. Graphs are designed showing precipitation monthly values and groundwater level fluctuation values recorded by three groundwater level loggers installed at the study areas. The conjunctive and synthetic assessment of the impact of precipitation on groundwater level fluctuation is carried out at three levels regarding precipitation moving average values fluctuation classified into thee time periods, high groundwater level values distinguished in three time periods, and correlation between precipitation moving average values and groundwater level values with temporal discrimination within specific hydrological years. It is concluded that the influence of precipitation on groundwater level fluctuation in the study area can almost responsibly be indicated based on original and reliable data contributing to better understanding and managing the functioning of the investigated aquifer system under several climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]