Imprint of long-term solar signal in groundwater recharge fluctuation rates from Northwest China

Abstract

Multiple spectral and statistical analyses of a 700 yearlong temporal record of groundwater recharge from the dry lands, Badain Jaran Desert (Inner Mongolia) of Northwest China reveal a stationary harmonic cycle at ~200±20 year. Interestingly, the underlying periodicity in groundwater recharge fluctuations is similar to those of solar-induced climate cycle "Suess wiggles" and appears to be coherent with phases of the climate fluctuations and solar cycles. Matching periodicity of groundwater recharge rates and solar and climate cycles renders a strong impression that solar-induced climate signals may act as a critical amplifier for driving the underlying hydrographic cycle through the common coupling of long-term Sun-climate groundwater linkages. Key Points Long-period solar impact on groundwater recharge Reported the probable link between solar activity and groundwater fluctuations Account for the long-term groundwater fluctuation and recharge variability © 2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.