Executive summary
The observations analysis, statistical analysis and interpolation product for the Hunter subregion describes the information necessary to better understand and model the changes to surface water and groundwater where coal development is possible. This provides a quantitative understanding of the Hunter subregion by analysing the observed data and, where required, estimating additional data for locations where data are sparse.
The product presents the following datasets and analyses:
- geography: elevation, land use and vegetation height, precipitation, temperature and solar radiation.
- geology: A regional-scale geological model was produced based on petroleum exploration wells, geological maps and geophysical datasets.
- hydrogeology: recharge, regolith depth, extent of Hunter alluvium, depth to watertable and hydraulic conductivity.
- surface water hydrology: catchment boundaries, streamflow, river cross-sections, river extractions, irrigation and crop type extents, saline discharges and operational data such as storage levels and releases for the Hunter regulated river.
- surface water – groundwater interactions: A number of methods for estimating the groundwater contribution to streamflow are used to explore the variability in the baseflow index in the Hunter subregion.
- water management for coal resource developments.
This product includes an assessment of data errors and uncertainties; the spatial and temporal resolution of observations over space and time; and algorithms used in the development of derived datasets. Data gaps are identified.
Relationship to other products
This product on observations analysis, statistical and interpolation is part of a series of model-data analysis products (Component 2), which describe the hydrological relationships between coal resource development and potentially affected water resources and water-dependent assets in the subregion. This product informs impact and risk analysis (Component 3 and 4) products on the risks to and potential impacts on water resources and water-dependent assets, such as bores and habitats.
