Drought propagation and its impact on groundwater hydrology of wetlands: a case study on the Doode Bemde nature reserve (Belgium)

Abstract. Drought can be described as a temporary decrease in water availability over significant period that affects both surface and groundwater resources. Droughts propagate through the hydrological cycle may impact vulnerable ecosystems. This paper investigates drought propagation cycle, focusing on assessing its groundwater-fed wetland ecosystem. Meteorological indices were used to analyze meteorological severity. Moreover, method for aquifer was developed applied. Groundwater analyzed using variable threshold method. Furthermore, recharge compared investigate cycle. research is carried out Doode Bemde central Belgium. The results of this show droughts are attenuated system. number severity events discharge smaller than recharge. However, onset occurred at same time, indicating quick response system stresses. In addition, indicated not all result drought. effect observed wetland.