Analysis of through Flow in Playa Basin Using Electromagnetic Induction Method and GIS Technology on the Southern High Plains of Texas.

Playa lakes are the ubiquitous geomorphic features on the Southern High Plains landscape. They are identified as the key venues for Ogallala aquifer recharge. Therefore, management of playas and their water flow systems is important to enhance the Ogallala aquifer recharge. Playas receive water mainly through overland flow. They lose water through evaporation and recharge. Even though, Southern High Plains receive limited precipitation, high intensity rainfall events are common in this region. They along with sub surface soil permeability differences can generate through flow in playa basins to recharge the ground water. Understanding the through flow as a source of Ogallala aquifer recharge is important in developing playa management plans to enhance the Ogallala aquifer recharge. We applied electromagnetic induction technique to define the soil spatial variability within the playa basin. We used soil spatial variability as a guide to determine the locations of soil pedological analysis for through flow. We defined the through flow areas by pedological evidence of contrasting soil permeability differences. We incorporated GIS technology to model the soil spatial variability, delineate the through flow areas and to explain the landscape position relationships to through flow areas.