Abstract

Distributed model simulations quantified deep percolation produced during the streamflow generation process in a first-order watershed, and indicated that it plays a significant role in moderating the production of streamflow. Sensitivity analyses revealed that hillslope properties control the amount of rainfall necessary to initiate percolation while channel properties control the partitioning of hillslope runoff into streamflow and deep percolation. Synthetic vegetation experiments show that woody plant encroachment leads to increases in both deep percolation and streamflow. Further, woody plant encroachment may result in the unexpected enhancement of dryland aquifer sustainability.