Title: Statistical datum corrections to measured water levels for achieving inter-gage consistency in a large seasonally ponded wetland

Authors: Kyle R. Douglas-Mankin

Addresses: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Boynton Beach, FL, USA

Abstract: Accurate, consistent water surface elevations (stages) among gages within a large waterbody are essential for accurate hydrological analyses. This study developed and tested a process of statistical stage bias-correction and quantified corrections needed to maintain consistency among gages. Ponded conditions with consistent water-surface elevations were identified within an Everglades wetland area using four screening criteria: three-day antecedent rainfall ≤ 0.25 mm/day, seven-day antecedent rainfall ≤ 5.1 mm/week, mean stage change from prior day ≤ 0.15 m, and difference between median marsh and canal stages ≤ 0.015 m. Historical stage values were adjusted based on long-term mean inter-gage bias. Adjustments up to 0.0472 m were needed to offset mean inter-gage bias among 12 canal and five marsh gages. Bias-corrected stages improved consistency over an independent one-year period. These methods apply to deriving statistical bias-correction values in other seasonally ponded water bodies and identifying gages requiring datum maintenance.

Keywords: bias; everglades; hydrology; statistical methods; water stage; wetlands.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2018.088671

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2018 Vol.8 No.1, pp.31 - 51

Received: 25 May 2016
Accepted: 20 Aug 2016

Published online: 14 Dec 2017 *

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