Articles | Volume 25, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3301-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3301-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
16 Jun 2021
Research article |
| 16 Jun 2021
| 16 Jun 2021
Long-term climate-influenced land cover change in discontinuous permafrost peatland complexes
Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo,
Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada
Kristine Haynes
Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo,
Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada
Ryan Connon
Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest
Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 2L9, Canada
James Craig
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
Élise Devoie
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
William Quinton
Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo,
Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada
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William Quinton, Aaron Berg, Michael Braverman, Olivia Carpino, Laura Chasmer, Ryan Connon, James Craig, Élise Devoie, Masaki Hayashi, Kristine Haynes, David Olefeldt, Alain Pietroniro, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Robert Schincariol, and Oliver Sonnentag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2015–2039, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, 2019
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This paper synthesizes nearly three decades of eco-hydrological field and modelling studies at Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada, highlighting the key insights into the major water flux and storage processes operating within and between the major land cover types of this wetland-dominated region of discontinuous permafrost. It also examines the rate and pattern of permafrost-thaw-induced land cover change and how such changes will affect the hydrology and water resources of the region.
Bastien Charonnat, Michel Baraer, Eole Valence, Janie Masse-Dufresne, Chloé Monty, Kaiyuan Wang, Elise Devoie, and Jeffrey M. McKenzie
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-117, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-117, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (HESS).
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Climate change is altering water cycle in mountain regions as glaciers melt, but slower-degrading rock glaciers remain influential. This study examines how a rock glacier in Yukon, Canada, interacts with a riverbed, using advanced methods like thermal and time-lapse imagery. It shows that rock glaciers shape river channels, affect groundwater flow, and encourage ice formation in winter. These findings reveal how rock glaciers link mountain ice to deep groundwater, impacting water resources.
Alexandre Lhosmot, Gabriel Hould Gosselin, Manuel Helbig, Julien Fouché, Youngryel Ryu, Matteo Detto, Ryan Connon, William Quinton, Tim Moore, and Oliver Sonnentag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-367, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-367, 2025
Preprint under review for HESS
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Climate change induces permanently frozen ground thaw, altering landscapes and water movements. We assess water balances (water entering and leaving difference) in a thawing boreal peatland complex in western Canada at two drainage scales: three < 1 km² basins (2014–2016) and one 130–202 km² basin (1996–2022). Both scales show similar patterns. We highlight challenges in accurate water balance estimation in low-relief areas. This study underscores ground thaw’s role in water movement dynamics.
Robert Chlumsky, James R. Craig, and Bryan A. Tolson
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-184, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-184, 2024
Revised manuscript under review for GMD
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We aim to improve mapping of floods, and present a new method for hydraulic modelling that uses a combination of novel geospatial analysis and existing hydraulic modelling approaches. This method is wrapped into a modelling software called Blackbird. We compared Blackbird to two other existing options for flood mapping and found that the Blackbird model outperformed both. The Blackbird model has the potential to support real-time and large-scale flood mapping applications in the future.
Eunji Byun, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Stephanie Slowinski, Christina Lam, Saraswati Saraswati, Stephanie Wright, William L. Quinton, Kara L. Webster, and Philippe Van Cappellen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1047, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1047, 2024
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We explored how nutrient enrichment (N and P) affects carbon gas (CO2 and CH4) productions from subarctic bog and fen soils. Adding N increased CO2 from bog, P did so for fen, but combined N and P reduced CO2 but enhanced CH4 in both. Soil microbes may have adapted to the natural differences in bog and fen conditions and complicated the changes in carbon gas productions. These insights can guide future research on the impacts of changing nutrient status in cold region soils and carbon emissions.
Robert Chlumsky, Juliane Mai, James R. Craig, and Bryan A. Tolson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-69, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-69, 2023
Revised manuscript not accepted
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A blended model allows multiple hydrologic processes to be represented in a single model, which allows for a model to achieve high performance without the need to modify its structure for different catchments. Here, we improve upon the initial blended version by testing more than 30 blended models in twelve catchments to improve the overall model performance. We validate our proposed, updated blended model version with independent catchments, and make this version available for open use.
Robert Chlumsky, James R. Craig, Simon G. M. Lin, Sarah Grass, Leland Scantlebury, Genevieve Brown, and Rezgar Arabzadeh
Geosci. Model Dev., 15, 7017–7030, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-7017-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-7017-2022, 2022
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We introduce the open-source RavenR package, which has been built to support the use of the hydrologic modelling framework Raven. The R package contains many functions that may be useful in each step of the model-building process, including preparing model input files, running the model, and analyzing the outputs. We present six reproducible use cases of the RavenR package for the Liard River basin in Canada to demonstrate how it may be deployed.
Élise G. Devoie, Stephan Gruber, and Jeffrey M. McKenzie
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 3365–3377, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-3365-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-3365-2022, 2022
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Soil freezing characteristic curves (SFCCs) relate the temperature of a soil to its ice content. SFCCs are needed in all physically based numerical models representing freezing and thawing soils, and they affect the movement of water in the subsurface, biogeochemical processes, soil mechanics, and ecology. Over a century of SFCC data exist, showing high variability in SFCCs based on soil texture, water content, and other factors. This repository summarizes all available SFCC data and metadata.
Juliane Mai, Hongren Shen, Bryan A. Tolson, Étienne Gaborit, Richard Arsenault, James R. Craig, Vincent Fortin, Lauren M. Fry, Martin Gauch, Daniel Klotz, Frederik Kratzert, Nicole O'Brien, Daniel G. Princz, Sinan Rasiya Koya, Tirthankar Roy, Frank Seglenieks, Narayan K. Shrestha, André G. T. Temgoua, Vincent Vionnet, and Jonathan W. Waddell
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3537–3572, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3537-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3537-2022, 2022
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Model intercomparison studies are carried out to test various models and compare the quality of their outputs over the same domain. In this study, 13 diverse model setups using the same input data are evaluated over the Great Lakes region. Various model outputs – such as streamflow, evaporation, soil moisture, and amount of snow on the ground – are compared using standardized methods and metrics. The basin-wise model outputs and observations are made available through an interactive website.
Anna-Maria Virkkala, Susan M. Natali, Brendan M. Rogers, Jennifer D. Watts, Kathleen Savage, Sara June Connon, Marguerite Mauritz, Edward A. G. Schuur, Darcy Peter, Christina Minions, Julia Nojeim, Roisin Commane, Craig A. Emmerton, Mathias Goeckede, Manuel Helbig, David Holl, Hiroki Iwata, Hideki Kobayashi, Pasi Kolari, Efrén López-Blanco, Maija E. Marushchak, Mikhail Mastepanov, Lutz Merbold, Frans-Jan W. Parmentier, Matthias Peichl, Torsten Sachs, Oliver Sonnentag, Masahito Ueyama, Carolina Voigt, Mika Aurela, Julia Boike, Gerardo Celis, Namyi Chae, Torben R. Christensen, M. Syndonia Bret-Harte, Sigrid Dengel, Han Dolman, Colin W. Edgar, Bo Elberling, Eugenie Euskirchen, Achim Grelle, Juha Hatakka, Elyn Humphreys, Järvi Järveoja, Ayumi Kotani, Lars Kutzbach, Tuomas Laurila, Annalea Lohila, Ivan Mammarella, Yojiro Matsuura, Gesa Meyer, Mats B. Nilsson, Steven F. Oberbauer, Sang-Jong Park, Roman Petrov, Anatoly S. Prokushkin, Christopher Schulze, Vincent L. St. Louis, Eeva-Stiina Tuittila, Juha-Pekka Tuovinen, William Quinton, Andrej Varlagin, Donatella Zona, and Viacheslav I. Zyryanov
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 179–208, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-179-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-179-2022, 2022
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The effects of climate warming on carbon cycling across the Arctic–boreal zone (ABZ) remain poorly understood due to the relatively limited distribution of ABZ flux sites. Fortunately, this flux network is constantly increasing, but new measurements are published in various platforms, making it challenging to understand the ABZ carbon cycle as a whole. Here, we compiled a new database of Arctic–boreal CO2 fluxes to help facilitate large-scale assessments of the ABZ carbon cycle.
Chris M. DeBeer, Howard S. Wheater, John W. Pomeroy, Alan G. Barr, Jennifer L. Baltzer, Jill F. Johnstone, Merritt R. Turetsky, Ronald E. Stewart, Masaki Hayashi, Garth van der Kamp, Shawn Marshall, Elizabeth Campbell, Philip Marsh, Sean K. Carey, William L. Quinton, Yanping Li, Saman Razavi, Aaron Berg, Jeffrey J. McDonnell, Christopher Spence, Warren D. Helgason, Andrew M. Ireson, T. Andrew Black, Mohamed Elshamy, Fuad Yassin, Bruce Davison, Allan Howard, Julie M. Thériault, Kevin Shook, Michael N. Demuth, and Alain Pietroniro
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1849–1882, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1849-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1849-2021, 2021
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This article examines future changes in land cover and hydrological cycling across the interior of western Canada under climate conditions projected for the 21st century. Key insights into the mechanisms and interactions of Earth system and hydrological process responses are presented, and this understanding is used together with model application to provide a synthesis of future change. This has allowed more scientifically informed projections than have hitherto been available.
Juliane Mai, James R. Craig, and Bryan A. Tolson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5835–5858, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5835-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5835-2020, 2020
Olli Peltola, Timo Vesala, Yao Gao, Olle Räty, Pavel Alekseychik, Mika Aurela, Bogdan Chojnicki, Ankur R. Desai, Albertus J. Dolman, Eugenie S. Euskirchen, Thomas Friborg, Mathias Göckede, Manuel Helbig, Elyn Humphreys, Robert B. Jackson, Georg Jocher, Fortunat Joos, Janina Klatt, Sara H. Knox, Natalia Kowalska, Lars Kutzbach, Sebastian Lienert, Annalea Lohila, Ivan Mammarella, Daniel F. Nadeau, Mats B. Nilsson, Walter C. Oechel, Matthias Peichl, Thomas Pypker, William Quinton, Janne Rinne, Torsten Sachs, Mateusz Samson, Hans Peter Schmid, Oliver Sonnentag, Christian Wille, Donatella Zona, and Tuula Aalto
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 11, 1263–1289, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-1263-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-1263-2019, 2019
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Here we develop a monthly gridded dataset of northern (> 45 N) wetland methane (CH4) emissions. The data product is derived using a random forest machine-learning technique and eddy covariance CH4 fluxes from 25 wetland sites. Annual CH4 emissions from these wetlands calculated from the derived data product are comparable to prior studies focusing on these areas. This product is an independent estimate of northern wetland CH4 emissions and hence could be used, e.g. for process model evaluation.
William Quinton, Aaron Berg, Michael Braverman, Olivia Carpino, Laura Chasmer, Ryan Connon, James Craig, Élise Devoie, Masaki Hayashi, Kristine Haynes, David Olefeldt, Alain Pietroniro, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Robert Schincariol, and Oliver Sonnentag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2015–2039, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, 2019
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This paper synthesizes nearly three decades of eco-hydrological field and modelling studies at Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada, highlighting the key insights into the major water flux and storage processes operating within and between the major land cover types of this wetland-dominated region of discontinuous permafrost. It also examines the rate and pattern of permafrost-thaw-induced land cover change and how such changes will affect the hydrology and water resources of the region.
Katheryn Burd, Suzanne E. Tank, Nicole Dion, William L. Quinton, Christopher Spence, Andrew J. Tanentzap, and David Olefeldt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4455–4472, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4455-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4455-2018, 2018
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In this study we investigated whether climate change and wildfires are likely to alter water quality of streams in western boreal Canada, a region that contains large permafrost-affected peatlands. We monitored stream discharge and water quality from early snowmelt to fall in two streams, one of which drained a recently burned landscape. Wildfire increased the stream delivery of phosphorous and possibly increased the release of old natural organic matter previously stored in permafrost soils.
Kristine M. Haynes, Ryan F. Connon, and William L. Quinton
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2018-68, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2018-68, 2018
Preprint withdrawn
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This paper presents a hydrological and micrometeorological dataset collected in the Scotty Creek basin, Northwest Territories, Canada over the course of the Changing Cold Regions Network (CCRN) Special Observation and Analysis Period (SOAP) year of 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. This dataset can be used in coordination with other datasets, including those from the CCRN, to examine spatio-temporal effects of meteorological conditions on local hydrological responses across cold regions.
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Max Berkelhammer, Gerald F. M. Page, Frank Zurek, Christopher Still, Mariah S. Carbone, William Talavera, Laura Hildebrand, James Byron, Kyle Inthabandith, Angellica Kucinski, Melissa Carlson, Kelsey Foss, Wendy Brown, Rosemary W. H. Carroll, Austin Simonpietri, Marshall Worsham, Ian Breckheimer, Anna Ryken, Reed Maxwell, David Gochis, Mark S. Raleigh, Eric Small, and Kenneth H. Williams
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 701–718, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-701-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-701-2025, 2025
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Warming in montane systems is affecting the snowmelt input amount. At the global scale, this will impact subalpine forests that rely on spring snowmelt to support their water demands. We use a network of sensors across a hillslope in the Upper Colorado Basin to show that the changing spring snowpack has a more pronounced impact on dense forest stands, while open stands show a higher reliance on summer rain and are less sensitive to significant changes in snow.
Mengge Lu, Huaiwei Sun, Yong Yang, Jie Xue, Hongbo Ling, Hong Zhang, and Wenxin Zhang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 613–625, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-613-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-613-2025, 2025
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Our study explores how ecosystems recover after flash droughts. Using vegetation and soil moisture data, we found that recovery takes about 37.5 d on average (longer in central and southern regions) in China. Factors like post-drought radiation and temperature affect recovery, with extreme temperatures prolonging it. Herbaceous plants recover faster than forests. Our findings aid water resource management and drought monitoring on a large scale, offering insights into ecosystem resilience.
Xuejin Tan, Bingjun Liu, Xuezhi Tan, Zeqin Huang, and Jianyu Fu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 427–445, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-427-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-427-2025, 2025
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We assess changes in blue and green water scarcity in an anthropogenic highly impacted watershed and their association with climate change and land use change, using the multi-water-flux validated Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Observed streamflow, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture are integrated into model calibration and validation. Results show that both climate change and land use change decrease blue water, while land use change increases green water.
Siwei Chen, Yuxue Guo, Yue-Ping Xu, and Lu Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4989–5009, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4989-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4989-2024, 2024
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Our research explores how increased CO2 levels affect water use efficiency in the Yellow River basin. Using updated climate models, we found that future climate change significantly impacts water use efficiency, leading to improved plant resilience against moderate droughts. These findings help predict how ecosystems might adapt to environmental changes, providing essential insights into ways of managing water resources under varying climate conditions.
Fabien Koch, Philipp Blum, Heide Stein, Andreas Fuchs, Hans Jürgen Hahn, and Kathrin Menberg
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4927–4946, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4927-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4927-2024, 2024
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In this study, we identify shifts in groundwater fauna due to natural or human impacts over 2 decades. We find no overall temporal or large-scale trends in fauna or abiotic parameters. However, at a local level, six monitoring wells show shifting or fluctuating faunal parameters. Our findings indicate that changes in surface conditions should be assessed in line with hydrochemical parameters to better understand changes in groundwater fauna and to obtain reliable biomonitoring results.
Hongkai Gao, Markus Hrachowitz, Lan Wang-Erlandsson, Fabrizio Fenicia, Qiaojuan Xi, Jianyang Xia, Wei Shao, Ge Sun, and Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4477–4499, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4477-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4477-2024, 2024
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The concept of the root zone is widely used but lacks a precise definition. Its importance in Earth system science is not well elaborated upon. Here, we clarified its definition with several similar terms to bridge the multi-disciplinary gap. We underscore the key role of the root zone in the Earth system, which links the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. To better represent the root zone, we advocate for a paradigm shift towards ecosystem-centred modelling.
Roland Baatz, Gohar Ghazaryan, Michael Hagenlocher, Claas Nendel, Andrea Toreti, and Ehsan Eyshi Rezaei
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1069, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1069, 2024
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Our analysis of over 130,000 peer-reviewed articles on drought research reveals critical shifts towards interdisciplinary approaches. Research priorities are identified in methodological advancements of drought forecasting and in plant genetics. The systemic nature of drought impacts is demonstrated. Challenges identified are the integration of plant physiological response in forecasting, fostering machine learning and early warning systems, and more systemic drought resilience frameworks.
Zongxing Li, Juan Gui, Qiao Cui, Jian Xue, Fa Du, and Lanping Si
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 719–734, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-719-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-719-2024, 2024
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Precipitation, ground ice, and snow meltwater accounted for approximately 72 %, 20 %, and 8 % of soil water during the early ablation period. Snow is completely melted in the heavy ablation period and the end of the ablation period, and precipitation contributed about 90 % and 94 % of soil water, respectively. These recharges also vary markedly with altitude and vegetation type.
Licong Dai, Ruiyu Fu, Xiaowei Guo, Yangong Du, Guangmin Cao, Huakun Zhou, and Zhongmin Hu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 4247–4256, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4247-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4247-2023, 2023
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We found that, in the 0–30 cm soil layer, soil water retention and soil water content in normal Kobresia meadow (NM) were higher than those in biocrust meadow (BM), whereas the 30–40 cm layer's soil water retention and soil water content in NM were lower than those in BM. The topsoil infiltration rate in BM was lower than that in NM. Our findings revealed that the establishment of biocrust did not improve soil water retention and infiltration.
Shaofei Wang, Xiaodong Gao, Min Yang, Gaopeng Huo, Xiaolin Song, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Pute Wu, and Xining Zhao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 123–137, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-123-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-123-2023, 2023
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Water uptake depth of 11-year-old apple trees reached 300 cm in the blossom and young fruit stage and only 100 cm in the fruit swelling stage, while 17-year-old trees always consumed water from 0–320 cm soil layers. Overall, the natural abundance of stable water isotopes method overestimated the contribution of deep soil water, especially in the 320–500 cm soils. Our findings highlight that determining the occurrence of root water uptake in deep soils helps to quantify trees' water use strategy.
Juan Gui, Zongxing Li, Qi Feng, Qiao Cui, and Jian Xue
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 97–122, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-97-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-97-2023, 2023
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As the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau and the arid region, the Qilian Mountains are important ecological barriers and source regions of inland rivers in northwest China. In recent decades, drastic changes in the cryosphere have had a significant impact on the quantity and formation process of water resources in the Qilian Mountains. The mountain runoff of the Qilian Mountains mainly comes from the cryosphere belt, which contributes to approximately 80 % runoff.
Remko C. Nijzink and Stanislaus J. Schymanski
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6289–6309, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6289-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6289-2022, 2022
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Most catchments plot close to the empirical Budyko curve, which allows for estimating the long-term mean annual evaporation and runoff. We found that a model that optimizes vegetation properties in response to changes in precipitation leads it to converge to a single curve. In contrast, models that assume no changes in vegetation start to deviate from a single curve. This implies that vegetation has a stabilizing role, bringing catchments back to equilibrium after changes in climate.
Yakun Tang, Lina Wang, Yongqiang Yu, and Dongxu Lu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4995–5013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4995-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4995-2022, 2022
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Whether rainwater-recharged soil water (RRS) uptake can increase plant transpiration after rainfall pulses requires investigation. Our results indicate a differential response of plant transpiration to RRS uptake. Mixed afforestation enhances these water relationships and decreases soil water source competition in deep soil. Our results suggest that plant species or plantation types that can enhance RRS uptake and reduce water competition should be considered for use in water-limited regions.
Javier de la Casa, Adrià Barbeta, Asun Rodríguez-Uña, Lisa Wingate, Jérôme Ogée, and Teresa E. Gimeno
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4125–4146, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4125-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4125-2022, 2022
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Recently, studies have been reporting mismatches in the water isotopic composition of plants and soils. In this work, we reviewed worldwide isotopic composition data of field and laboratory studies to see if the mismatch is generalised, and we found it to be true. This contradicts theoretical expectations and may underlie an non-described phenomenon that should be forward investigated and implemented in ecohydrological models to avoid erroneous estimations of water sources used by vegetation.
Amilcare Porporato
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 355–374, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-355-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-355-2022, 2022
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Applying dimensional analysis to the partitioning of water and soil on terrestrial landscapes reveals their dominant environmental controls. We discuss how the dryness index and the storage index affect the long-term rainfall partitioning, the key nonlinear control of the dryness index in global datasets of weathering rates, and the existence of new macroscopic relations among average variables in landscape evolution statistics with tantalizing analogies with turbulent fluctuations.
Fabien Koch, Kathrin Menberg, Svenja Schweikert, Cornelia Spengler, Hans Jürgen Hahn, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3053–3070, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, 2021
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In this study, we address the question of whether groundwater fauna in an urban area is natural or affected in comparison to forested land. We find noticeable differences in the spatial distribution of groundwater species and abiotic parameters. An ecological assessment reveals that conditions in the urban area are mainly not good. Yet, there is no clear spatial pattern in terms of land use and anthropogenic impacts. These are significant findings for conservation and usage of urban groundwater.
Marcel Bliedtner, Hans von Suchodoletz, Imke Schäfer, Caroline Welte, Gary Salazar, Sönke Szidat, Mischa Haas, Nathalie Dubois, and Roland Zech
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2105–2120, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2105-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2105-2020, 2020
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This study investigates the age and origin of leaf wax n-alkanes from a fluvial sediment–paleosol sequence (FSPS) by compound-class 14C dating. Our results show varying age offsets between the formation and sedimentation of leaf wax n-alkanes from well-developed (paleo)soils and fluvial sediments that are mostly due to their complex origin in such sequences. Thus, dating the leaf wax n-alkanes is an important step for more robust leaf-wax-based paleoenvironmental reconstructions in FSPSs.
James W. Kirchner and Scott T. Allen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 17–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-17-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-17-2020, 2020
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Perhaps the oldest question in hydrology is
Where does water go when it rains?. Here we present a new way to measure how the terrestrial water cycle partitions precipitation into its two ultimate fates:
green waterthat is evaporated or transpired back to the atmosphere and
blue waterthat is discharged to stream channels. Our analysis may help in gauging the vulnerability of both water resources and terrestrial ecosystems to changes in rainfall patterns.
Yu Liu, Zeng Cui, Ze Huang, Hai-Tao Miao, and Gao-Lin Wu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2481–2490, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2481-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2481-2019, 2019
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We focus on the positive effects of litter crusts on soil water holding capacity and water interception capacity compared with biocrusts. Litter crusts can significantly improve sandy water content and organic matter. Water-holding capacity increased with development of litter crusts in the sandy interface. Water infiltration rate is increased by sandy and litter crusts' interface properties. Litter crusts provided a better microhabitat conducive to plant growth in sandy lands.
Adrià Barbeta, Sam P. Jones, Laura Clavé, Lisa Wingate, Teresa E. Gimeno, Bastien Fréjaville, Steve Wohl, and Jérôme Ogée
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2129–2146, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2129-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2129-2019, 2019
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Plant water sources of a beech riparian forest were monitored using stable isotopes. Isotopic fractionation during root water uptake is usually neglected but may be more common than previously accepted. Xylem water was always more depleted in δ2H than all sources considered, suggesting isotopic discrimination during water uptake or within plant tissues. Thus, the identification and quantification of tree water sources was affected. Still, oxygen isotopes were a good tracer of plant source water.
William Quinton, Aaron Berg, Michael Braverman, Olivia Carpino, Laura Chasmer, Ryan Connon, James Craig, Élise Devoie, Masaki Hayashi, Kristine Haynes, David Olefeldt, Alain Pietroniro, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Robert Schincariol, and Oliver Sonnentag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2015–2039, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, 2019
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This paper synthesizes nearly three decades of eco-hydrological field and modelling studies at Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada, highlighting the key insights into the major water flux and storage processes operating within and between the major land cover types of this wetland-dominated region of discontinuous permafrost. It also examines the rate and pattern of permafrost-thaw-induced land cover change and how such changes will affect the hydrology and water resources of the region.
Wouter H. Maes, Pierre Gentine, Niko E. C. Verhoest, and Diego G. Miralles
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 925–948, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-925-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-925-2019, 2019
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Potential evaporation (Ep) is the amount of water an ecosystem would consume if it were not limited by water availability or other stress factors. In this study, we compared several methods to estimate Ep using a global dataset of 107 FLUXNET sites. A simple radiation-driven method calibrated per biome consistently outperformed more complex approaches and makes a suitable tool to investigate the impact of water use and demand, drought severity and biome productivity.
Juan Fernando Salazar, Juan Camilo Villegas, Angela María Rendón, Estiven Rodríguez, Isabel Hoyos, Daniel Mercado-Bettín, and Germán Poveda
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1735–1748, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1735-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1735-2018, 2018
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River flow regimes are being altered by global change. Understanding the mechanisms behind such alterations is crucial for hydrological prediction. We introduce a novel interpretation of river flow metrics (scaling) that allows any river basin to be classified as regulated or unregulated, and to identify transitions between these states. We propose the
forest reservoirhypothesis to explain how forest loss can force the Amazonian river basins from regulated to unregulated states.
Félicien Meunier, Valentin Couvreur, Xavier Draye, Mohsen Zarebanadkouki, Jan Vanderborght, and Mathieu Javaux
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 6519–6540, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6519-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6519-2017, 2017
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To maintain its yield, a plant needs to transpire water that it acquires from the soil. A deep understanding of the mechanisms that lead to water uptake location and intensity is required to correctly simulate the water transfer in the soil to the atmosphere. This work presents novel and general solutions of the water flow equation in roots with varying hydraulic properties that deeply affect the uptake pattern and the transpiration rate and can be used in ecohydrological models.
Robert L. Andrew, Huade Guan, and Okke Batelaan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4469–4478, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4469-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4469-2017, 2017
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In this study we statistically analyse the relationship between vegetation cover and components of total water storage. Splitting water storage into different components allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the temporal response of vegetation to changes in water storage. Generally, vegetation appears to be more sensitive to interannual changes in water storage than to shorter changes, though this varies in different land use types.
Tingting Ning, Zhi Li, and Wenzhao Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 1515–1526, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1515-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1515-2017, 2017
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The relationship between controlling parameters of annual catchment water balance and climate seasonality (S) and vegetation coverage (M) was discussed under the Budyko framework and an empirical equation was further developed so that the contributions from M to actual evapotranspiration (ET) could be determined more accurately. The results showed that the effects of landscape condition changes to ET variation will be estimated with a large error if the impacts of S are ignored.
Stanislaus J. Schymanski and Dani Or
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 685–706, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-685-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-685-2017, 2017
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Most of the rain falling on land is returned to the atmosphere by plant leaves, which release water vapour (transpire) through tiny pores. To better understand this process, we used artificial leaves in a special wind tunnel and discovered major problems with an established approach (PM equation) widely used to quantify transpiration and its sensitivity to climate change. We present an improved set of equations, consistent with experiments and displaying more realistic climate sensitivity.
Roger Moussa and Jean-Paul Lhomme
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4867–4879, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4867-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4867-2016, 2016
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A new physically based formulation is proposed to extend the Budyko framework under non-steady-state conditions, taking into account the change in water storage. The new formulation, which introduces an additional parameter, represents a generic framework applicable to any Budyko function at various time steps. It is compared to other formulations from the literature and the analytical solution of Greve et al. (2016) appears to be a particular case.
Jean-Paul Lhomme and Roger Moussa
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4857–4865, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4857-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4857-2016, 2016
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The Budyko functions are matched with the complementary evaporation relationship. We show that there is a functional dependence between the Budyko functions and the drying power of the air. Examining the case where potential evaporation is calculated by means of a Priestley–Taylor type equation with a varying coefficient, we show that this coefficient should have a specified value as a function of the Budyko shape parameter and the aridity index.
Wenfei Liu, Xiaohua Wei, Qiang Li, Houbao Fan, Honglang Duan, Jianping Wu, Krysta Giles-Hansen, and Hao Zhang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4747–4756, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4747-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4747-2016, 2016
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In recent decades, limited research has been conducted to examine the role of watershed properties in hydrological responses in large watersheds. Based on pair-wise comparisons, we conclude that reforestation decreased high flows but increased low flows in the watersheds studied. Hydrological recovery through reforestation is largely dependent on watershed properties when forest change and climate are similar and comparable. This finding has important implications for designing reforestation.
Kimberly J. Van Meter, Michael Steiff, Daniel L. McLaughlin, and Nandita B. Basu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2629–2647, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2629-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2629-2016, 2016
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Although village-scale rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures have been used for millennia in India, many of these structures have fallen into disrepair due to increased dependence on groundwater. This dependence has contributed to declines in groundwater resources, and in turn to efforts to revive older RWH systems. In the present study, we use field data to quantify water fluxes in a cascade of irrigation tanks to better our understanding of the impact of RWH systems on the water balance in con
Tobias Schuetz, Chantal Gascuel-Odoux, Patrick Durand, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 843–857, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-843-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-843-2016, 2016
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We quantify the spatio-temporal impact of distinct nitrate sinks and sources on stream network nitrate dynamics in an agricultural headwater. By applying a data-driven modelling approach, we are able to fully distinguish between mixing and dilution processes, and biogeochemical in-stream removal processes along the stream network. In-stream nitrate removal is estimated by applying a novel transfer coefficient based on energy availability.
M. Majerova, B. T. Neilson, N. M. Schmadel, J. M. Wheaton, and C. J. Snow
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3541–3556, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3541-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3541-2015, 2015
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This study quantifies the impacts of beaver on hydrologic and temperature regimes, as well as highlights the importance of understanding the spatial and temporal scales of those impacts.
Reach-scale discharge showed shift from losing to gaining. Temperature increased by 0.38°C (3.8%) and mean residence time by 230%. At the sub-reach scale, discharge gains and losses increased in variability. At the beaver dam scale, we observed increase in thermal heterogeneity with warmer and cooler niches.
J. P. Lhomme, N. Boudhina, M. M. Masmoudi, and A. Chehbouni
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3287–3299, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3287-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3287-2015, 2015
J. P. Lhomme, N. Boudhina, and M. M. Masmoudi
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4341–4348, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4341-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4341-2014, 2014
V. Couvreur, J. Vanderborght, L. Beff, and M. Javaux
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1723–1743, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1723-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1723-2014, 2014
A. D. Jayakaran, T. M. Williams, H. Ssegane, D. M. Amatya, B. Song, and C. C. Trettin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1151–1164, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1151-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1151-2014, 2014
S. A. Howie and H. J. van Meerveld
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 3421–3435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3421-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3421-2013, 2013
X. Cui, S. Liu, and X. Wei
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 4279–4290, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-4279-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-4279-2012, 2012
V. Couvreur, J. Vanderborght, and M. Javaux
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 2957–2971, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2957-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2957-2012, 2012
M. E. McClain, L. Chícharo, N. Fohrer, M. Gaviño Novillo, W. Windhorst, and M. Zalewski
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 1685–1696, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-1685-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-1685-2012, 2012
C. Rasmussen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 725–739, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-725-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-725-2012, 2012
A. P. O'Grady, J. L. Carter, and J. Bruce
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 3731–3739, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3731-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3731-2011, 2011
J. D. Muehlbauer, M. W. Doyle, and E. S. Bernhardt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 1771–1783, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1771-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1771-2011, 2011
K. Edmaier, P. Burlando, and P. Perona
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 1615–1627, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1615-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1615-2011, 2011
H. Iwasaki, H. Saito, K. Kuwao, T. C. Maximov, and S. Hasegawa
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 301–307, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-301-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-301-2010, 2010
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Short summary
This study demonstrates how climate warming in peatland-dominated regions of discontinuous permafrost is changing the form and function of the landscape. Key insights into the rates and patterns of such changes in the coming decades are provided through careful identification of land cover transitional stages and characterization of the hydrological and energy balance regimes for each stage.
This study demonstrates how climate warming in peatland-dominated regions of discontinuous...
