Development of a hydrogeologic framework using tidally influenced groundwater levels, Hawaii

Aquifer hydraulic properties can be estimated from commonly available water-level data from tidally influenced wells because the tidal signal attenuation depends on the aquifer's regional hydraulic diffusivity. Estimates of hydraulic properties are required for models that are used to manage groundwater availability and quality. A few localized studies of tidal attenuation in Hawaii have been published, but many water-level records have not been analyzed and no regional synthesis of tidal attenuation information in Hawaii exists. Therefore, we estimate aquifer properties from tidal attenuation for Hawaii using groundwater-level records from more than 350 wells. Filtering methods to separate water-level fluctuations caused by ocean tides from other environmental stresses such as barometric pressure and long-period ocean-level variations are explored. For short-term records, several approaches to identify tidal components are examined. The estimated aquifer properties are combined in a regional context with respect to the hydrogeologic framework of each island. The results help to better understand conceptual models of groundwater flow in Hawaii aquifers and facilitate the development of regional numerical groundwater flow and transport models aimed at sustainable water-resource management.