Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Abstract
Only a few areas in the deserts of the southwestern United States possess perennial streamflows. Cienega Creek near Tucson, Arizona is one of them (Figurel). Because of ground -water punping, some of these streams are in jeopardy of becoming ephemeral. The variability of surface water supply in the southwestern United States is very important because of its effects on riparian systems. Declines in water table and ground -water storage (over - exploitation of pumping wells) pose major concern as land subsidence and earth fissures, and produce stream and vegetation losses through ground and surface -water interactions. This report examines the Lower Cienega Creek Basin (LCCB) and the potential impact of nearby commercial development on the perennial stream. This area was chosen because it contains a natural preserve and a perennial stream. Perennial water flow and shallow water levels along the creek support various riparian species which shelter many types of insects and wildlife. The stream contained several species of fish including the endangered Gila Topminnow before they were extinct from this creek. This natural preserve, near the basin's exit, is one of the few desert places in the U.S. supporting a suitable habitat for animals, birds, and fishes because of its lush vegetation. An important riparian indicator for water table levels are cottonwood trees. These trees require shallow water to survive. As water levels decline, the cottonwoods produce less leaves. These cottonwoods could limit their existence by ceasing reproduction. Ultimately, a detrimental impact will be noticed in the surrounding ecosystem.During the Fall semester 1993, the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources
initiated a thesis practicum allowing students to complete a Master's thesis within a year
by participating in a group project. The project is divided topically, with each student in
charge of a specific topic, resulting in a thesis and a HWR Series report. The group
project covers each of the departmental focal areas: surface -water hydrology, subsurface
hydrology, water chemistry, and water resources administration.
This report is based on a thesis from the Fall 1993 - Spring 1994 project focusing on the
water resources of the Lower Cienega Creek Basin, Arizona. This basin encompasses
Pima Count's Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, located about 25 miles southeast of
Tucson. The basin includes perennial stream reaches at the "Narrows" and within the
preserve. These flows support a lush riparian population, one of the few remaining in the
state. The goals of this project were tp provide insight into hydrological processes with in
the basin and to recommend management alternatives.
The following are faculty participants:
Nathan Bums Leo Leonhart
Martha Conklin Tom Maddock III
Don Davis L. G. Wilson
Simon InceThis title from the Hydrology & Water Resources Technical Reports collection is made available by the Department of Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences and the University Libraries, University of Arizona. If you have questions about titles in this collection, please contact [email protected]
