Improving groundwater storage change estimates using time-lapse
gravimetry with Gravi4GW
Abstract
Time-lapse gravimetry (repeat microgravity measurement) is a powerful
tool for monitoring temporal mass distribution variations, including
seasonal and long-term groundwater storage changes (GWSC). This
geophysical method for measuring changes in gravity (Δg) is potentially
applicable to any groundwater system. Here, I present Gravi4GW, a Python
tool for the site-adapted calculation of β, the conversion factor
between Δg and GWSC (also known as “topographic admittance”). Alpine
catchments, in particular, are ideal target sites as they are highly
sensitive to climate variations and can experience significant GWSC,
while often lacking groundwater monitoring infrastructure. Therefore, to
illustrate the usage of Gravi4GW, I investigate a detailed example of an
alpine catchment and examine spatial variations and the effects of depth
assumptions. This novel and accessible tool is designed to be useful in
both the planning and data processing stages of time-lapse gravimetric
field studies.