Articles | Volume 26, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5051-2022
© Author(s) 2022. 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-26-5051-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Oct 2022
Research article |
| 11 Oct 2022
| 11 Oct 2022
Effect of topographic slope on the export of nitrate in humid catchments: a 3D model study
State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic
Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
Qiaoyu Wang
State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic
Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
Ingo Heidbüchel
Department of
Hydrogeology, UFZ – Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
Hydrologic Modeling Unit, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental
Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
Chunhui Lu
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic
Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
Yueqing Xie
School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nanjing,
Nanjing, China
Andreas Musolff
Department of
Hydrogeology, UFZ – Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
Jan H. Fleckenstein
Department of
Hydrogeology, UFZ – Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
Hydrologic Modeling Unit, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental
Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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Extreme storms and droughts had profound impacts on water quality. We adapted a stochastic rainfall generator to examine how rainfall changes affect the transformation and transport of nitrogen (N) and its potential effects on water quality. We found that annual precipitation is an important factor impacting the transport of N. Wet/dry conditions of a year can significantly affect the transformation of N. Different dry-wet patterns during a year can change water quality in terms of nitrate.
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2989–3004, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2989-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2989-2023, 2023
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 1261–1277, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-1261-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-1261-2023, 2023
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 303–318, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-303-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-303-2023, 2023
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Thomas Hermans, Pascal Goderniaux, Damien Jougnot, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Philip Brunner, Frédéric Nguyen, Niklas Linde, Johan Alexander Huisman, Olivier Bour, Jorge Lopez Alvis, Richard Hoffmann, Andrea Palacios, Anne-Karin Cooke, Álvaro Pardo-Álvarez, Lara Blazevic, Behzad Pouladi, Peleg Haruzi, Alejandro Fernandez Visentini, Guilherme E. H. Nogueira, Joel Tirado-Conde, Majken C. Looms, Meruyert Kenshilikova, Philippe Davy, and Tanguy Le Borgne
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 255–287, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-255-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-255-2023, 2023
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6227–6245, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6227-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6227-2022, 2022
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-634, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-634, 2022
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 6067–6086, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6067-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6067-2021, 2021
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Export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from riparian zones (RZs) is an important yet poorly understood component of the catchment carbon budget. This study chemically and spatially classifies DOC source zones within a RZ of a small catchment to assess DOC export patterns. Results highlight that DOC export from only a small fraction of the RZ with distinct DOC composition dominates overall DOC export. The application of a spatial, topographic proxy can be used to improve DOC export models.
Katharina Blaurock, Burkhard Beudert, Benjamin S. Gilfedder, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Stefan Peiffer, and Luisa Hopp
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5133–5151, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5133-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5133-2021, 2021
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Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an important part of the global carbon cycle with regards to carbon storage, greenhouse gas emissions and drinking water treatment. In this study, we compared DOC export of a small, forested catchment during precipitation events after dry and wet preconditions. We found that the DOC export from areas that are usually important for DOC export was inhibited after long drought periods.
Zhongbo Yu, Chunhui Lu, Jianyuan Cai, Dazheng Yu, Gil Mahe, Anil Mishra, Christophe Cudennec, Henny A. J. Van Lanen, Didier Orange, and Abou Amani
Proc. IAHS, 383, 3–4, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-383-3-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-383-3-2020, 2020
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The 8th Global FRIEND conference highlighted the advance in hydrological science and innovation in water management. 52 accepted papers cover study areas in precipitation and climate impact; observation, analysis and simulations of hydrologic processes; floods in the changing environments; drought monitoring and analysis; water resources and environmental impacts. The outcome of the conference presented in the proceedings will be shared and discussed widely among UNESCO IHP networks.
Ingo Heidbüchel, Jie Yang, Andreas Musolff, Peter Troch, Ty Ferré, and Jan H. Fleckenstein
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2895–2920, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2895-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2895-2020, 2020
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With the help of a 3-D computer model we examined how long the water of different rain events stays inside small catchments before it is discharged and how the nature of this discharge is controlled by different catchment and climate properties. We found that one can only predict the discharge dynamics when taking into account a combination of catchment and climate properties (i.e., there was not one single most important predictor). Our results can help to manage water pollution events.
Adam S. Ward, Steven M. Wondzell, Noah M. Schmadel, Skuyler Herzog, Jay P. Zarnetske, Viktor Baranov, Phillip J. Blaen, Nicolai Brekenfeld, Rosalie Chu, Romain Derelle, Jennifer Drummond, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Vanessa Garayburu-Caruso, Emily Graham, David Hannah, Ciaran J. Harman, Jase Hixson, Julia L. A. Knapp, Stefan Krause, Marie J. Kurz, Jörg Lewandowski, Angang Li, Eugènia Martí, Melinda Miller, Alexander M. Milner, Kerry Neil, Luisa Orsini, Aaron I. Packman, Stephen Plont, Lupita Renteria, Kevin Roche, Todd Royer, Catalina Segura, James Stegen, Jason Toyoda, Jacqueline Hager, and Nathan I. Wisnoski
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 5199–5225, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-5199-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-5199-2019, 2019
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The movement of water and solutes between streams and their shallow, connected subsurface is important to many ecosystem functions. These exchanges are widely expected to vary with stream flow across space and time, but these assumptions are seldom tested across basin scales. We completed more than 60 experiments across a 5th-order river basin to document these changes, finding patterns in space but not time. We conclude space-for-time and time-for-space substitutions are not good assumptions.
Benedikt J. Werner, Andreas Musolff, Oliver J. Lechtenfeld, Gerrit H. de Rooij, Marieke R. Oosterwoud, and Jan H. Fleckenstein
Biogeosciences, 16, 4497–4516, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4497-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4497-2019, 2019
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Increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in streams can pose a threat to downstream water resources. Analyzing data from an in-stream probe we found that hydroclimatic and hydrological drivers can describe up to 72 % of the observed DOC concentration and composition variability. Variability was found to be highest during discharge events with warm and dry preconditions. The findings suggest an impact of climate change on DOC exports and thus also on downstream water quality.
Adam S. Ward, Jay P. Zarnetske, Viktor Baranov, Phillip J. Blaen, Nicolai Brekenfeld, Rosalie Chu, Romain Derelle, Jennifer Drummond, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Vanessa Garayburu-Caruso, Emily Graham, David Hannah, Ciaran J. Harman, Skuyler Herzog, Jase Hixson, Julia L. A. Knapp, Stefan Krause, Marie J. Kurz, Jörg Lewandowski, Angang Li, Eugènia Martí, Melinda Miller, Alexander M. Milner, Kerry Neil, Luisa Orsini, Aaron I. Packman, Stephen Plont, Lupita Renteria, Kevin Roche, Todd Royer, Noah M. Schmadel, Catalina Segura, James Stegen, Jason Toyoda, Jacqueline Hager, Nathan I. Wisnoski, and Steven M. Wondzell
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 11, 1567–1581, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-1567-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-1567-2019, 2019
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Studies of river corridor exchange commonly focus on characterization of the physical, chemical, or biological system. As a result, complimentary systems and context are often lacking, which may limit interpretation. Here, we present a characterization of all three systems at 62 sites in a 5th-order river basin, including samples of surface water, hyporheic water, and sediment. These data will allow assessment of interacting processes in the river corridor.
Sophie Ehrhardt, Rohini Kumar, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Sabine Attinger, and Andreas Musolff
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3503–3524, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3503-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3503-2019, 2019
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This study shows quantitative and temporal offsets between nitrogen input and riverine output, using time series of three nested catchments in central Germany. The riverine concentrations show lagged reactions to the input, but at the same time exhibit strong inter-annual changes in the relationship between riverine discharge and concentration. The study found a strong retention of nitrogen that is dominantly assigned to a hydrological N legacy, which will affect future stream concentrations.
Nguyen Le Duy, Ingo Heidbüchel, Hanno Meyer, Bruno Merz, and Heiko Apel
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1239–1262, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1239-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1239-2018, 2018
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This study analyzes the influence of local and regional meteorological factors on the isotopic composition of precipitation. The impact of the different factors on the isotopic condition was quantified by multiple linear regression of all factor combinations combined with relative importance analysis. The proposed approach might open a pathway for the improved reconstruction of paleoclimates based on isotopic records.
Rémi Dupas, Andreas Musolff, James W. Jawitz, P. Suresh C. Rao, Christoph G. Jäger, Jan H. Fleckenstein, Michael Rode, and Dietrich Borchardt
Biogeosciences, 14, 4391–4407, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-4391-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-4391-2017, 2017
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Carbon and nutrient export regimes were analyzed from archetypal headwater catchments to
downstream reaches. In headwater catchments, land use and lithology determine
land-to-stream C, N and P transfer processes. The crucial role of riparian
zones in C, N and P coupling was investigated. In downstream reaches,
point-source contributions and in-stream processes alter C, N and P export
regimes.
Ingo Heidbüchel, Andreas Güntner, and Theresa Blume
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1269–1288, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1269-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1269-2016, 2016
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Cosmic-ray neutron sensors bridge the gap between point-scale measurements of soil moisture and remote sensing applications. We tested four distinct methods to calibrate the sensor in a temperate forest environment using different soil moisture weighting approaches. While the variable leaf biomass of the deciduous trees had no significant influence on the calibration, it proved necessary to modify the standard calibration method to achieve the best sensor performance.
W. He, C. Beyer, J. H. Fleckenstein, E. Jang, O. Kolditz, D. Naumov, and T. Kalbacher
Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 3333–3348, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3333-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3333-2015, 2015
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This technical paper presents a new tool to simulate reactive transport processes in subsurface systems and which couples the open-source software packages OpenGeoSys and IPhreeqc. A flexible parallelization scheme was developed and implemented to enable an optimized allocation of computer resources. The performance tests of the coupling interface and parallelization scheme illustrate the promising efficiency of this generally valid approach to simulate reactive transport problems.
B. J. Kopp, J. H. Fleckenstein, N. T. Roulet, E. Humphreys, J. Talbot, and C. Blodau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 3485–3498, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3485-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3485-2013, 2013
S. Strohmeier, K.-H. Knorr, M. Reichert, S. Frei, J. H. Fleckenstein, S. Peiffer, and E. Matzner
Biogeosciences, 10, 905–916, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-905-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-905-2013, 2013
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Karst springs respond quickly to environmental changes, making them crucial to understanding climate impacts on groundwater. This study analyses long-term trends in precipitation, temperature, and discharge from more than 50 springs across Europe. Results show that while historical discharge trends align with those of rivers, recent changes are driven by rising temperatures rather than precipitation. These findings highlight climate-driven shifts in groundwater recharge and storage processes.
Ben Wilkins, Tom Johns, and Sarah Mager
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2765–2784, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2765-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2765-2025, 2025
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We measured nitrate-nitrogen concentrations using a UV nitrate sensor over 4 years in a shallow gravel aquifer. We observed pulses of nitrate nitrogen in response to forestry harvesting during subsequent rainfall recharge. Our novel hysteresis analysis helped elucidate event-scale nitrate-nitrogen dynamics, while integrating continuous data improved nitrate-nitrogen load estimates. This research provides new insights into the variability of nitrate nitrogen in permeable aquifers.
Rob de Rooij
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2697–2705, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2697-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2697-2025, 2025
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Coordinate transformations are often used in the finite element method. Here, three existing approaches are discussed that can be applied to the same mapping problem. From a mathematical viewpoint, the approaches are quite different. It is shown that all three approaches provide the same result. Interestingly, the more mathematically challenging approaches provide an expression that is the most practical to implement in a finite element code.
Roi Roded
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-733, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-733, 2025
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This study develops simple mathematical solutions to predict heat-driven chemical reactions in geothermal systems without relying on complex kinetic calculations. It examines how hot fluid injection into aquifers lead to mineral dissolution and precipitation, with implications for geothermal energy, groundwater resources, and geologic carbon storage. The findings highlight that natural processes, such as ore formation, often involve stationary reaction zones shaped by slow geologic processes.
Mingyang Li, Fulin Li, Shidong Fu, Huawei Chen, Kairan Wang, Xuequn Chen, and Jiwen Huang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4623–4642, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4623-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4623-2024, 2024
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Research on groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) started earlier, but because there is no good identification and classification method, most of the related research is concentrated in Europe and Australia. In this study, the lower Yellow River basin in northern China, with well-developed karsts, was selected as the study area, and a four-diagnostic-criteria framework for identifying the GDEs based on remote sensing, GIS data dredging, and hydrogeological surveys was proposed.
Roi Roded, Einat Aharonov, Piotr Szymczak, Manolis Veveakis, Boaz Lazar, and Laura E. Dalton
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4559–4576, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4559-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4559-2024, 2024
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Common practices in water resource management and geothermal applications involve the injection of hot or cold water into aquifers. The resulting thermal changes may lead to chemical disequilibrium and consequent mineral dissolution/precipitation in the rock void space. A mathematical model is developed to study the effects of such thermal fluid injection on the evolution of water composition, aquifer porosity, and permeability. The model is then applied to two important case studies.
Rémi Valois, Agnès Rivière, Jean-Michel Vouillamoz, and Gabriel C. Rau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1041–1054, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1041-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1041-2024, 2024
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Characterizing aquifer systems is challenging because it is difficult to obtain in situ information. They can, however, be characterized using natural forces such as Earth tides. Models that account for more complex situations are still necessary to extend the use of Earth tides to assess hydromechanical properties of aquifer systems. Such a model is developed in this study and applied to a case study in Cambodia, where a combination of tides was used in order to better constrain the model.
Jannick Strüven and Stefan Hergarten
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3041–3058, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3041-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3041-2023, 2023
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This study uses dendritic flow patterns to analyze the recession behavior of aquifer springs. The results show that the long-term recession becomes slower for large catchments. After a short recharge event, however, the short-term behavior differs strongly from the exponential recession that would be expected from a linear reservoir. The exponential component still accounts for more than 80 % of the total discharge, much more than typically assumed for karst aquifers.
Tom Müller, Stuart N. Lane, and Bettina Schaefli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6029–6054, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6029-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6029-2022, 2022
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This research provides a comprehensive analysis of groundwater storage in Alpine glacier forefields, a zone rapidly evolving with glacier retreat. Based on data analysis of a case study, it provides a simple perceptual model showing where and how groundwater is stored and released in a high Alpine environment. It especially points out the presence of groundwater storages in both fluvial and bedrock aquifers, which may become more important with future glacier retreat.
Leïla Serène, Christelle Batiot-Guilhe, Naomi Mazzilli, Christophe Emblanch, Milanka Babic, Julien Dupont, Roland Simler, Matthieu Blanc, and Gérard Massonnat
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 5035–5049, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5035-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5035-2022, 2022
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This work aims to develop the Transit Time index (TTi) as a natural tracer of karst groundwater transit time, usable in the 0–6-month range. Based on the fluorescence of organic matter, TTi shows its relevance to detect a small proportion of fast infiltration water within a mix, while other natural transit time tracers provide no or less sensitive information. Comparison of the average TTi of different karst springs also provides consistent results with the expected relative transit times.
Gabriel C. Rau, Timothy C. McMillan, Martin S. Andersen, and Wendy A. Timms
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4301–4321, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4301-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4301-2022, 2022
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This work develops and applies a new method to estimate hydraulic and geomechanical subsurface properties in situ using standard groundwater and atmospheric pressure records. The estimated properties comply with expected values except for the Poisson ratio, which we attribute to the investigated scale and conditions. Our new approach can be used to cost-effectively investigate the subsurface using standard monitoring datasets.
Georg J. Houben and Okke Batelaan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4055–4091, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4055-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4055-2022, 2022
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Unbeknown to most hydrologists, many methods used in groundwater hydrology today go back to work by Adolf and Günther Thiem. Their work goes beyond the Dupuit–Thiem analytical model for pump tests mentioned in many textbooks. It includes, e.g., the development and improvement of isopotential maps, tracer tests, and vertical well constructions. Extensive literature and archive research has been conducted to identify how and where the Thiems developed their methods and how they spread.
Zhaoyang Luo, Jun Kong, Chengji Shen, Pei Xin, Chunhui Lu, Ling Li, and David Andrew Barry
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 6591–6602, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6591-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6591-2021, 2021
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Analytical solutions are derived for steady-state seawater intrusion in annulus segment aquifers. These analytical solutions are validated by comparing their predictions with experimental data. We find seawater intrusion is the most extensive in divergent aquifers, and the opposite is the case for convergent aquifers. The analytical solutions facilitate engineers and hydrologists in evaluating seawater intrusion more efficiently in annulus segment aquifers with a complex geometry.
Dylan J. Irvine, Cameron Wood, Ian Cartwright, and Tanya Oliver
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5415–5424, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5415-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5415-2021, 2021
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It is widely assumed that 14C is in contact with the atmosphere until recharging water reaches the water table. Unsaturated zone (UZ) studies have shown that 14C decreases with depth below the land surface. We produce a relationship between UZ 14C and depth to the water table to estimate input 14C activities for groundwater age estimation. Application of the new relationship shows that it is important for UZ processes to be considered in groundwater mean residence time estimation.
Erwin Zehe, Ralf Loritz, Yaniv Edery, and Brian Berkowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5337–5353, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5337-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5337-2021, 2021
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This study uses the concepts of entropy and work to quantify and explain the emergence of preferential flow and transport in heterogeneous saturated porous media. We found that the downstream concentration of solutes in preferential pathways implies a downstream declining entropy in the transverse distribution of solute transport pathways. Preferential flow patterns with lower entropies emerged within media of higher heterogeneity – a stronger self-organization despite a higher randomness.
Jiancong Chen, Bhavna Arora, Alberto Bellin, and Yoram Rubin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4127–4146, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4127-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4127-2021, 2021
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We developed a stochastic framework with indicator random variables to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of environmental hot spots and hot moments (HSHMs) that represent rare locations and events exerting a disproportionate influence over the environment. HSHMs are characterized by static and dynamic indicators. This framework is advantageous as it allows us to calculate the uncertainty associated with HSHMs based on uncertainty associated with its contributors.
Gabriel C. Rau, Mark O. Cuthbert, R. Ian Acworth, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6033–6046, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, 2020
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This work provides an important generalisation of a previously developed method that quantifies subsurface barometric efficiency using the groundwater level response to Earth and atmospheric tides. The new approach additionally allows the quantification of hydraulic conductivity and specific storage. This enables improved and rapid assessment of subsurface processes and properties using standard pressure measurements.
Xiao-Wei Jiang, John Cherry, and Li Wan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6001–6019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6001-2020, 2020
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The gushing of water from flowing wells is a natural phenomenon of interest to the public. This review demonstrates that this spectacular phenomenon also instigated the science of groundwater and can be considered a root of groundwater hydrology. Observations of flowing wells not only led to the foundation of many principles of traditional groundwater hydrology but also played a vital role in the paradigm shift from aquitard-bound flow to cross-formational flow driven by topography.
Doris E. Wendt, Anne F. Van Loon, John P. Bloomfield, and David M. Hannah
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4853–4868, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4853-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4853-2020, 2020
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Groundwater use changes the availability of groundwater, especially during droughts. This study investigates the impact of groundwater use on groundwater droughts. A methodological framework is presented that was developed and applied to the UK. We identified an asymmetric impact of groundwater use on droughts, which highlights the relation between short-term and long-term strategies for sustainable groundwater use.
Quanrong Wang, Junxia Wang, Hongbin Zhan, and Wenguang Shi
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3983–4000, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3983-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3983-2020, 2020
Franklin W. Schwartz, Ganming Liu, and Zhongbo Yu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 489–500, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-489-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-489-2020, 2020
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We are concerned about the sad state of affairs around groundwater in the developing countries of Asia and the obvious implications for sustainability. Groundwater production for irrigated agriculture has led to water-level declines that continue to worsen. Yet in the most populous countries, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran, there are only token efforts towards evidence-based sustainable management. It is unrealistic to expect evidence-based groundwater sustainability to develop any time soon.
Floris Loys Naus, Paul Schot, Koos Groen, Kazi Matin Ahmed, and Jasper Griffioen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1431–1451, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1431-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1431-2019, 2019
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In this paper, we postulate a possible evolution of the groundwater salinity around a village in southwestern Bangladesh, based on high-density fieldwork. We identified that the thickness of the surface clay layer, the surface elevation and the present-day land use determine whether fresh or saline groundwater has formed. The outcomes show how the large groundwater salinity variation in southwestern Bangladesh can be understood, which is valuable for the water management in the region.
John P. Bloomfield, Benjamin P. Marchant, and Andrew A. McKenzie
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1393–1408, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1393-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1393-2019, 2019
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Groundwater is susceptible to drought due to natural variations in climate; however, to date there is no evidence of a relationship between climate change and groundwater drought. Using two long groundwater level records from the UK, we document increases in frequency, magnitude and intensity and changes in duration of groundwater drought associated with climate warming and infer that, given the extent of shallow groundwater globally, warming may widely effect changes to groundwater droughts.
Bin Ma, Menggui Jin, Xing Liang, and Jing Li
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 427–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-427-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-427-2019, 2019
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Groundwater supplies the most freshwater for industrial and agricultural production and domestic use in the arid northwest of China. This research uses environmental tracers to enhance one's understanding of groundwater, including aquifer recharge sources and groundwater mean residence times in the alluvium aquifers. The results provide valuable implications for groundwater resources regulation and sustainable development and have practical significance for other arid areas.
Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1911–1916, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1911-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1911-2018, 2018
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This paper provides the connection between two simple equations describing groundwater flow at different scales: the Darcy equation describes groundwater flow at pore scale, the linear reservoir equation at catchment scale. The connection between the two appears to be very simple. The two parameters of the equations are proportional, depending on the porosity of the subsoil and the resistance for the groundwater to enter the surface drainage network.
Ming Wu, Jianfeng Wu, Jichun Wu, and Bill X. Hu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1001–1015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1001-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1001-2018, 2018
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Fractal models of regular triangle arrangement (RTA) and square pitch arrangement (SPA) are developed in this study. Results suggest RTA can cause more groundwater contamination and make remediation more difficult. In contrast, the cleanup of contaminants in aquifers with SPA is easier. This study demonstrates how microscale arrangements control contaminant migration and remediation, which is helpful in designing successful remediation schemes for subsurface contamination.
Rui Ma, Ziyong Sun, Yalu Hu, Qixin Chang, Shuo Wang, Wenle Xing, and Mengyan Ge
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4803–4823, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4803-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4803-2017, 2017
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The roles of groundwater flow in the hydrological cycle within the alpine area characterized by permafrost or seasonal frost are poorly known. We investigated the role of permafrost in controlling groundwater flow and hydrological connections between glaciers and river. The recharge, flow path and discharge of permafrost groundwater at the study site were explored. Two mechanisms were proposed to explain the significantly seasonal variation in interaction between groundwater and surface water.
Bing Zhang, Jing Zhang, and Takafumi Yoshida
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3417–3425, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3417-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3417-2017, 2017
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Since groundwater is the linkage between climate changes and fresh submarine groundwater discharge, the variations of and relationships among monthly groundwater table, rainfall, snowfall, and climate change events from 1985 to 2015 were analyzed by wavelet coherence to discuss the implications for climate changes. The results show the increase in precipitation and the groundwater table, indicating that fresh submarine groundwater discharge flux may increase under climate change.
Koen Gerardus Zuurbier and Pieter Jan Stuyfzand
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 1173–1188, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1173-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1173-2017, 2017
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The subsurface is increasingly perforated for exploitation of water and energy. This has increased the risk of leakage between originally separated aquifers. It is shown how this leakage can have a very negative impact on the recovery of freshwater during aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) in brackish-saline aquifers. Deep interception of intruding brackish-saline water can mitigate the negative effects and buoyancy of freshwater to some extent, but not completely.
Ulrike Unterbruner, Sylke Hilberg, and Iris Schiffl
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2251–2266, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2251-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2251-2016, 2016
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Studies show that young people have difficulties with correctly understanding groundwater. We designed a multimedia learning program about groundwater and tested its learning efficacy with pupils and teacher-training students. A novelty is the theory-guided designing of the program on the basis of hydrogeology and science education. The pupils and students greatly benefited from working through the multimedia learning program.
Kosta Urumović and Kosta Urumović Sr.
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1669–1680, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1669-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1669-2016, 2016
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Calculation of hydraulic conductivity of porous materials is crucial for further use in hydrogeological modeling. The Kozeny–Carman model is theoretically impeccable but has not been properly used in recent scientific and expert literature. In this paper, proper use of the Kozeny-Carman formula is given through presentation of geometric mean grain size in the drilled-core sample as the referential mean grain size. Also, procedures for identification of real effective porosity of porous media are presented.
C.-S. Huang, J.-J. Chen, and H.-D. Yeh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 55–71, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-55-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-55-2016, 2016
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Existing solutions for the problem of pumping at a radial collector well (RCW) in unconfined aquifers either require laborious calculation or predict divergent results at a middle period of pumping. This study relaxes the above two limitations to develop a new analytical solution for the problem. The application of the solution is convenient for those who are not familiar with numerical methods. New findings regarding the responses of flow to pumping at RCW are addressed.
R. A. Crane, M. O. Cuthbert, and W. Timms
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3991–4000, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3991-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3991-2015, 2015
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We present an interrupted-flow centrifugation technique to characterise the vertical hydraulic properties of dual porosity, low permeability media. Use of large core samples (100mm diameter) enables hydraulic-conductivity-scale issues in dual porosity media to be overcome. Elevated centrifugal force also enables simulating in situ total stress conditions. The methodology is an important tool to assess the ability of dual porosity aquitards to protect underlying aquifer systems.
B. L. Kurylyk, K. T. B. MacQuarrie, D. Caissie, and J. M. McKenzie
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 2469–2489, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2469-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2469-2015, 2015
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Changes in climate and land cover are known to warm streams by altering surface heat fluxes. However, the influence of these disturbances on shallow groundwater temperature are not as well understood. In small streams, groundwater discharge may also exert a control on stream temperature, and thus groundwater warming may eventually produce additional stream warming not considered in most existing models. This study investigates these processes and suggests stream temperature model improvements.
S. Luoma, J. Okkonen, K. Korkka-Niemi, N. Hendriksson, and B. Backman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 1353–1370, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1353-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1353-2015, 2015
N. P. Unland, I. Cartwright, D. I. Cendón, and R. Chisari
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 5109–5124, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, 2014
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Periodic flooding of rivers should result in increased groundwater recharge near rivers and thus - younger and fresher groundwater near rivers. This study found the age and salinity of shallow groundwater to increase with proximity to the Tambo River in South East Australia. This appears to be due to the upwelling of older, regional groundwater closer the river. Other chemical parameters are consistent with this. This is a process that may be occurring in other similar river systems.
A. P. Atkinson, I. Cartwright, B. S. Gilfedder, D. I. Cendón, N. P. Unland, and H. Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4951–4964, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, 2014
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This research article uses of radiogenic isotopes, stable isotopes and groundwater geochemistry to study groundwater age and recharge processes in the Gellibrand Valley, a relatively unstudied catchment and potential groundwater resource. The valley is found to contain both "old", regionally recharged groundwater (300-10,000 years) in the near-river environment, and modern groundwater (0-100 years old) further back on the floodplain. There is no recharge of the groundwater by high river flows.
U. Lauber, P. Kotyla, D. Morche, and N. Goldscheider
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4437–4452, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4437-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4437-2014, 2014
M. Huebsch, O. Fenton, B. Horan, D. Hennessy, K. G. Richards, P. Jordan, N. Goldscheider, C. Butscher, and P. Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4423–4435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, 2014
S. Hergarten, G. Winkler, and S. Birk
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4277–4288, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4277-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4277-2014, 2014
M. Attwa and T. Günther
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4079–4094, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4079-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4079-2013, 2013
C. Schmidt, A. Musolff, N. Trauth, M. Vieweg, and J. H. Fleckenstein
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 3689–3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3689-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3689-2012, 2012
T. Gleeson, D. M. Allen, and G. Ferguson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 2159–2168, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2159-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2159-2012, 2012
G. H. de Rooij
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 649–669, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-649-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-649-2012, 2012
B. Hubinger and S. Birk
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 3715–3729, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3715-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3715-2011, 2011
E. Joigneaux, P. Albéric, H. Pauwels, C. Pagé, L. Terray, and A. Bruand
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 2459–2470, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-2459-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-2459-2011, 2011
P.-R. Tsou, Z.-Y. Feng, H.-D. Yeh, and C.-S. Huang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 1477–1485, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1477-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1477-2010, 2010
Y.-C. Chang, D.-S. Jeng, and H.-D. Yeh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 1341–1351, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1341-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1341-2010, 2010
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Short summary
We assessed the effect of catchment topographic slopes on the nitrate export dynamics in terms of the nitrogen mass fluxes and concentration level using a coupled surface–subsurface model. We found that flatter landscapes tend to retain more nitrogen mass in the soil and export less nitrogen mass to the stream, explained by the reduced leaching and increased potential of degradation in flat landscapes. We emphasized that stream water quality is potentially less vulnerable in flatter landscapes.
We assessed the effect of catchment topographic slopes on the nitrate export dynamics in terms...
