Geology topics

Frederick J. Heimes

Publications and source records attributed to Frederick J. Heimes.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1982

Method for estimating historical irrigation requirements from ground water in the High Plains in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming

Historical information on ground-water pumpage for irrigation is required for use with a computer model of the High Plains aquifer. Available historical data on ground-water pumpage in the High Plains were inadequate for use with the computer model. Consequently, a method was developed to estimate historical pumpage data. Two principal components were used to develop estimates of ground-water pumpage: (1) Acreage irrigated; and (2) irrigation demand. The Blaney-Criddle formula was used to calculate consumptive-use requirements for irrigated crops grown on the High Plains. The irrigation demand for each crop was estimated by subtracting precipitation available to the crop from the consumptive-use requirement of the crop. Irrigation demands were combined with irrigated acreages to estimate the volume of irrigation water required for areas in the High Plains. Estimates of irrigation water requirements were compiled for 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, and 1978. Irrigation pumpage for use with the computer model can be estimated from the irrigation water requirements by applying a factor to account for irrigation system efficiency.

Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, ↗

USGS1980

Evaluating methods for determining water use in the High Plains in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, 1979

The volume and areal distribution of ground-water withdrawals (pumpage) for irrigation during 1980 are required for the High Plains Regional Aquifer-System Analysis. In 1979, approaches and instrumentation that might be suitable for application to 1980 water-use determinations were tested. Pumpage was sampled by monitoring time of operation and discharge of irrigation wells during the growing season. The total volume pumped during the irrigation season was compared to the crop type and acreage irrigated. This comparison provided a means of extending sampled pumpage information to unmonitored areas using irrigated cropland maps. A transient-time flowmeter and a vibration-sensitive timing device proved to be reliable in providing discharge and time of operation information, respectively. Statistical analysis of comparisons between pumpage and irrigated cropland indicated that significant differences existed in the amounts of water applied between flood and sprinkler irrigation systems. However, statistical analyses of differences in amounts of water applied for different crop types and for selected climatic factors were inconclusive. A variety of approaches were tested to develop the irrigated cropland maps needed to extend sampled pumpage data. Of the methods tested, only Landsat data proved to be effective for application to an area as large as the High Plains. The results obtained in the 1979 evaluation of instrumentation and pumpage sampling approaches have been used to formulate a strategy for monitoring irrigation water use in the High Plains in 1980. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1980

Calibration and testing of selected portable flowmeters for use on large irrigation systems

Existing methods for measuring discharge of irrigation systems in the High Plains region are not suitable to provide the pumpage data required by the High Plains Regional Aquifer System Analysis. Three portable flowmeters that might be suitable for obtaining fast and accurate discharge measure-ments on large irrigation systems were tested during 1979 under both laboratory and field conditions: propeller type gated-pipe meter, a Doppler meter, and a transient-time meter. The gated-pipe meter was found to be difficult to use and sensitive to particulate matter in the fluid. The Doppler meter, while easy to use, would not function suitably on steel pipe 6 inches or larger in diameter, or on aluminum pipe larger than 8 inches in diameter. The transient-time meter was more difficult to use than the other two meters; however, this instrument provided a high degree of accuracy and reliability under a variety of conditions. Of the three meters tested, only the transient-time meter was found to be suitable for providing reliable discharge measurements on the variety of irrigation systems used in the High Plains region.

High Plains Aquifer↗