THE RESPONSE OF IDEALIZED AQUIFER RIVER SYSTEMS TO CLIMATE-CHANGE

A study of the effect of changes in climate on aquifer storage and riv er recharge using a simple model of an idealized aquifer/river system shows the combined influence of aquifer properties and climate change scenario on the system response. The study shows that changes in the s easonal distribution of recharge may have a critical effect on low flo ws in rivers supported by baseflow. However, rivers supported by slowl y responding aquifers may show a considerable delay in response to cli mate change allowing an opportunity for water resources planning over an extended period.