Statistical analysis of hydrographs and water-table fluctuation to estimate groundwater recharge

Using water-table monitoring data from the National Groundwater Monitoring Network in Korea, groundwater hydrographs were classified into five typical groups. Then, to estimate groundwater recharge, a modified water-table fluctuation (WTF) method was developed from the relation between the cumulative WTF and corresponding precipitation records. Applying this method to different types of hydrographs, the spatial variability of recharge in river basins was evaluated. Each estimated recharge can be considered the maximum value, and therefore, could be used as a cut-off guideline (an upper limit) for groundwater development in river basins.