Integration of 2D Lateral Groundwater Flow into the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) Model and Effects on Simulated Fluxes for Different Grid Resolutions and Aquifer Diffusivities

Better representations of groundwater processes need to be incorporated into large-scale hydrological models improve simulations regional- global-scale hydrology and climate, as well understanding feedbacks between the human natural systems. We a 2D flow model variable infiltration capacity (VIC) code address its lack lateral component. The water table was coupled with variably saturated VIC soil column allowing bi-directional exchange aquifer soil. then investigated how variations in properties grid resolution affect modelled evapotranspiration (ET), runoff recharge. simulated nine idealised, homogenous aquifers different combinations transmissivity, storage coefficient, three resolutions. magnitude cell ET, runoff, recharge significantly depends on depth. In turn, distribution depths varied increased from 1° 0.05° for medium high transmissivity systems, resulting changes model-average fluxes up 12.3% mean rainfall. For low aquifer, increasing has minimal effect is low, cells behave vertical columns. inclusion will enable future representation irrigation pumping, use cycle.