Nikki Mouat

Determining a simple, economic method for predicting dryland salinity development and priority management zones by investigating groundwater pattern evolution at the catchment scale in the Western Australian wheatbelt

Predicting dryland salinity risk and locating priority management areas from groundwater levels at the catchment scale is challenging, given drilling cost restrictions and therefore spatial data limitations; finding a better alternative is paramount. It is clear that geomorphology directly and indirectly plays a major role in determining groundwater levels, however it is likely additional factors require identification.

Nikki’s research is investigating the spatial and temporal evolution of catchment scale groundwater level patterns; specifically their response to the landscapes clearing history should provide an improved understanding of catchment processes and property interrelationships. This research could lead to the development of a simpler, cheaper method for predicting dryland salinity risk at the catchment scale.

Her research falls into the CRC’s Program 4 research area and is related to the SaltCap and SaltDecide project.

Objectives:

• Identify simple patterns to depict the spatial and temporal evolution of groundwater
• Assess whether there are non-geomorphological factors controlling groundwater level development and if so find a simple way to obtain catchment scale data
• Determine a simple, economic method to predict dryland salinity and locate priority management zones.

For information email, Nikki.