ANALYZING SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LONG TERM GROUNDWATER MONITORING DATA AND CLIMATIC DATA FOR COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDINGS

Climate change introduces uncertainties in the dynamics of water resource supply and management. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments, the global mean surface temperature has risen by 0.6 ± 0.2 °C since 1861, and a further increase of 2 to 4 °C is projected within the next century. This temperature escalation has resulted in a gradual rise in surface temperatures and considerable variations in precipitation patterns across regions globally. The heightened variability in rainfall implies a potential for more frequent and extended periods of high and low groundwater levels. To investigate these phenomena, we gathered water table data from over 1000 wells in Kentucky spanning 40 years from 1980 to 2020. Additionally, historical climatic data, encompassing precipitation and temperature records from 1950 to the present, were incorporated into the analysis. Linear regression analyses were conducted on the groundwater levels for both wet and dry seasons. The spatial distribution of the data was visualized using ArcGIS Pro software, while statistical analyses were performed using Origin Lab Software. The results revealed a declining trend in groundwater levels, with variations influenced by aquifer characteristics and topography. This decline in groundwater levels appears to be linked to precipitation changes in Kentucky, where increased rainfall during the wet season annually does not significantly contribute to groundwater recharge, while reduced rainfall in the dry season leads to a decline in groundwater levels. Also, distinct correlations between changing temperature and precipitation patterns were observed in some areas. The dynamics of groundwater flow velocity were found to be impacted by climate changes. This research contributes valuable insights to our understanding of the long-term effects of climate change on groundwater flow dynamics.