Abstract |
A digital model of the land phase of the hydrologic cycle is utilized to determine the probable response of Kansas streams to various patterns of rainfall augmentation. Seven test basins, representing a broad range of climatic conditions, are analyzed. Comparative analysis of the results of simulations performed for historic and augmented patterns indicates runoff response would be most sensitive to changes in the precipitation pattern. In Kansas, the percentage increase in average streamflow will be approximately four times the percentage increase in average precipitation--assuming uniform augmentation of the historic pattern. Justification for a statewide program of precipitation augmentation in Kansas would have to be highly dependent on benefits to dry land agriculture. An empirical relationship for determining the percentage gain in average runoff to be realized under conditions of uniformly augmented precipitation is presented. (WRSI abstract) |