Hydrologic Response to Prescribed Burning in the Flint Hills, Kansas
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Abstract
This research paper presents a pioneering pilot study aimed at investigating the impacts of prescribed burning on crucial parameters of the hydrologic cycle in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The study introduces the VELAS model, which employs a daily soil water balance component, providing a more comprehensive simulation of moisture changes. The analysis of the Flint Hills' daily hydrologic processes without burning parameters revealed the predominant distribution of precipitation, with 80% allocated to evapotranspiration and 9% to recharge. Comparing water balance calculations between burned and unburned scenarios demonstrated significant increases in runoff (increase of 51%) and recharge (increase of 2%), with a decrease in evapotranspiration (by 45%) and a decrease of interception (by 5%) under burning conditions. Despite its innovative approach, the VELAS model lacks horizontal considerations, impacting the accuracy of runoff calculations. Recommendations for future research include incorporating horizontal water movement to better understand the hydrologic responses to prescribed burning. Additionally, it is suggested to base study locations on watersheds and utilize watershed discharge data for model validation. Notwithstanding these limitations, this study marks a milestone in hydrological modeling by shedding light on the crucial influence of burning practices on the hydrologic cycle and providing invaluable insights for future research in this field. The robustness of the VELAS model makes it an ideal tool for studying regions with dynamic water systems like the Flint Hills, paving the way for more comprehensive investigations into the effects of prescribed burning on hydrological processes.
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Introduction -- Literature Review -- Methodology -- Results -- Discussion -- Conclusion
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M.S. (Master of Science)