Hillslope runoff generation influenced by layered subsurface in a headwater catchment in Ore Mountains, Germany

Heller, Katja; Kleber, Arno

doi:10.1007/s12665-016-5750-y

Cited by 11 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…For general information, as well as electrical characteristics of the investigation area, we refer to Heller and Kleber (2016), Hübner et al (2015) and Moldenhauer et al (2013). The plot monitored in this study is situated on a slope at an altitude of 535 m a.s.l.…”

Section: Study Site and Subsurface Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The soil type is a Stagno-Gleyic Cambisol. Several sedimentological data have already been determined in previous studies (see Heller and Kleber, 2016;Hübner et al, 2015). Because those data only represent average values for the catchment, their validity for the experimental plot in particular is restricted.…”

Section: Study Site and Subsurface Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…subsurface stormflow (Heller and Kleber, 2016;Hübner et al, 2015;Moldenhauer et al, 2013;Chifflard et al, 2008;Völkel et al, 2002;Sauer et al, 2001;Kleber and Schellenberger, 1998). The hydrological response to precipitation mainly depends on their sedimentological and substrate-specific properties, such as grain size distribution, clast content and texture as well as the pre-event moisture condition.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a consequence of the lower hydraulic conductivity and higher compaction of the LM, the interface should form a temporary barrier and cause interflow. A few studies may evidence lateral flow on this interface, due to impermeable zones of the LM, whereas other studies record backwater within the LM, causing interflow at the interface to the LB (Heller and Kleber, 2016;Chifflard et al, 2008). Whether the LB acts as an impeding layer depends on the parent material.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several authors (Heller and Kleber, 2016;Chifflard et al, 2008;Sauer et al, 2001;Kleber and Schellenberger, 1998) describe the LB as a layer with reduced vertical percolation of seepage water. Additionally, the hydraulic properties of the LB are to be referred to as anisotropic, with low vertical but high lateral hydraulic conductivity.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impacts of a capillary barrier on infiltration and subsurface stormflow in layered slope deposits monitored with 3-D ERT and hydrometric measurements

Hübner¹,

Günther

Heller³

et al. 2017

Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci.

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Abstract. Identifying principles of water movement in the shallow subsurface is crucial for adequate process-based hydrological models. Hillslopes are the essential interface for water movement in catchments. The shallow subsurface on slopes typically consists of different layers with varying characteristics. The aim of this study was to draw conclusions about the infiltration behaviour, to identify water flow pathways and derive some general interpretations for the validity of the water movement on a hillslope with periglacial slope deposits (cover beds), where the layers differ in their sedimentological and hydrological properties. Especially the described varying influence of the basal layer (LB) as an impeding layer on the one hand and as a remarkable pathway for rapid subsurface stormflow on the other. We used a time lapse 3-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) approach combined with punctual hydrometric data to trace the spreading and the progression of an irrigation plume in layered slope deposits during two irrigation experiments. This multitechnical approach enables us to connect the high spatial resolution of the 3-D ERT with the high temporal resolution of the hydrometric devices. Infiltration through the uppermost layer was dominated by preferential flow, whereas the water flow in the deeper layers was mainly matrix flow. Subsurface stormflow due to impeding characteristic of the underlying layer occurs in form of "organic layer interflow" and at the interface to the first basal layer (LB1). However, the main driving factor for subsurface stormflow is the formation of a capillary barrier at the interface to the second basal layer (LB2). The capillary barrier prevents water from entering the deeper layer under unsaturated conditions and diverts the seepage water according to the slope inclination. With higher saturation, the capillary barrier breaks down and water reaches the highly conductive deeper layer. This highlights the importance of the capillary barrier effect for the prevention or activation of different flow pathways under variable hydrological conditions.

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Section: Study Site and Subsurface Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Study Site and Subsurface Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impacts of a capillary barrier on infiltration and subsurface stormflow in layered slope deposits monitored with 3-D ERT and hydrometric measurements

Hübner¹,

Günther

Heller³

et al. 2017

Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci.

Self Cite

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Ephemeral and intermittent runoff generation processes in a low relief, highly weathered catchment

Zimmer

McGlynn

2017

Water Resources Research

143

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Most field‐based approaches that address runoff generation questions have been conducted in steep landscapes with shallow soils. Runoff generation processes in low relief landscapes with deep soils remain less understood. We addressed this by characterizing dominant runoff generating flow paths by monitoring the timing and magnitude of precipitation, runoff, shallow soil moisture, and shallow and deep groundwater dynamics in a 3.3 ha ephemeral‐to‐intermittent drainage network in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, USA. This Piedmont region is gently sloped with highly weathered soils characterized by shallow impeding layers due to decreases in saturated hydraulic conductivity with depth. Our results indicated two dominant catchment storage states driven by seasonal evapotranspiration. Within these states, distinct flow paths were activated, resulting in divergent hydrograph recessions. Groundwater dynamics during precipitation events with different input characteristics and contrasting storage states showed distinct shallow and deep groundwater flow path behavior could produce similar runoff magnitudes. During an event with low antecedent storage, activation of a shallow, perched, transient water table dominated runoff production. During an event with high antecedent storage, the deeper water table activated shallow flow paths by rising into the shallow transmissive soil horizons. Despite these differing processes, the relationship between active surface drainage length (ASDL) and runoff was consistent. Hysteretic behavior between ASDL and runoff suggested that while seasonal ASDLs can be predicted based on runoff, the mechanisms and source areas producing flow can be highly variable and not easily estimated from runoff alone. These processes and flow paths have significant implications for stream chemistry across seasons and storage states.

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Lateral, Vertical, and Longitudinal Source Area Connectivity Drive Runoff and Carbon Export Across Watershed Scales

Zimmer

McGlynn

2018

Water Resources Research

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Watersheds are three‐dimensional hydrologic systems where the longitudinal expansion/contraction of stream networks, vertical connection/disconnection between shallow and deep groundwater systems, and lateral connectivity of these water sources to streams mediate runoff production and nutrient export. The connectivity of runoff source areas during both baseflow and stormflow conditions and their combined influence on biogeochemical fluxes remain poorly understood. Here we focused on a set of 3.3 and 48.4 ha nested watersheds (North Carolina, USA). These watersheds comprise ephemeral and intermittent runoff‐producing headwaters and perennial runoff‐producing lowlands. Within these landscape elements, we characterized the timing and magnitude of precipitation, runoff, and runoff‐generating flow paths. The active surface drainage network (ASDN) reflected connectivity to, and contributions from, source areas that differed under baseflow and stormflow conditions. The baseflow‐associated ASDN expanded and contracted seasonally, driven by the rise and fall of the seasonal water table. Superimposed on this were event‐activated source area contributions driven by connectivity to surficial and shallow subsurface flow paths. Frequently activated shallow flow paths also caused increased in‐stream dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations with increases in runoff across both watershed scales. The spread and variability within this DOC‐runoff relationship was driven by a seasonal depletion of DOC from continual shallow subsurface flow path activation and subsequent replenishment from autumn litterfall. Our findings suggest that hydrobiogeochemical signals at larger watershed outlets can be driven by the expansion, contraction, and connection of lateral, longitudinal, and vertical source areas with distinct runoff generation processes.

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Hillslope runoff generation influenced by layered subsurface in a headwater catchment in Ore Mountains, Germany

Cited by 11 publications

References 60 publications

Impacts of a capillary barrier on infiltration and subsurface stormflow in layered slope deposits monitored with 3-D ERT and hydrometric measurements

Impacts of a capillary barrier on infiltration and subsurface stormflow in layered slope deposits monitored with 3-D ERT and hydrometric measurements

Ephemeral and intermittent runoff generation processes in a low relief, highly weathered catchment

Lateral, Vertical, and Longitudinal Source Area Connectivity Drive Runoff and Carbon Export Across Watershed Scales

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