Microtopography can have a large eff ect on fl ow processes at the soil surface and the composi on of soil water. Microtopography is o en represented by a roughness parameter in hydrological models. In areas without a strong topographical gradient, microtopography may be underes mated when accumulated in a single parameter, especially in shallow groundwater systems. This study reviews the intricate rela onships between microtopography, surface runoff , and ecohydrology in systems featuring shallow water tables. We specifi cally focus on rela ons between microtopography and runoff , impact of microtopography on response mes of shallow groundwater ecosystems, and microtopography and spa al distribu on of groundwater quality parameters and site factors. We advocate the use of microtopography in modeling approaches by examples that feature typical ecosystems with shallow groundwater under infl uence of microtopography. With a simple modeling approach, we show how microtopography could add fl exibility to the acrotelmcatotelm concept in raised bog hydrology. The classic acrotelm-catotelm concept hinders progress in understanding small scale hydrological varia ons and other ecohydrological rela ons. Furthermore, we illustrate possible self-organiza on proper es of wetlands. Finally, we show how microtopography and surface runoff aff ect the mixing of water with diff erent chemical signatures, resul ng in varia ons of the occurrence of plant species.
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