Numerical simulation of dynamic changes in groundwater recharge, runoff and discharge characteristics in Yellow River Basin

The variation coefficient of groundwater in Yellow River Basin is high, which makes it is difficult to analyze the dynamic changes in groundwater recharge, runoff, and discharge characteristics based on seasonal and geological conditions. The soil layer parameters and groundwater parameters were set based on the actual soil conditions and assumed conditions in Yellow River Basin. A hydrogeological mathematical model was constructed based on soil layer parameters and groundwater parameters. And the boundary conditions and partition grids was set to construct a numerical simulation model of the dynamic changes in groundwater recharge, runoff, and discharge dynamic change characteristics. The practical application of this model yielded the following results: The groundwater recharge was highest in summer, at 37×10⁶ m³/month. The runoff velocity of groundwater reached its maximum in summer, at 0.24 m/d. And the discharge of groundwater was higher in summer, with a maximum of 39×10⁶ m³/month, and lower in winter, with a discharge of 22×10⁶ m³/month. It was concluded that the dynamic change of groundwater recharge, runoff and discharge characteristics in Yellow River basin was greatly affected by seasonal and geological conditions. So, the control of groundwater mining output should be strengthened in summer to avoid groundwater level decline and water resources depletion due to overexploitation. The discharge was low in winter, so the groundwater recharge strategy could be adjusted appropriately to increase groundwater supply and achieve sustainable utilization of groundwater resources. This method could provide scientific basis for achieving dynamic regulation and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources, holding significant practical value for watershed water security and ecological conservation.