Articles | Volume 27, issue 15
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2951-2023
© Author(s) 2023. 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-27-2951-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Technical note
| 
10 Aug 2023
Technical note |
| 10 Aug 2023
| 10 Aug 2023
Technical note: Lessons from and best practices for the deployment of the Soil Water Isotope Storage System
Rachel E. Havranek
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, 80303, USA
Kathryn Snell
Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, 80303, USA
Sebastian Kopf
Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, 80303, USA
Brett Davidheiser-Kroll
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, 28199 Bremen, Germany
Valerie Morris
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
Boulder, Boulder, 80303, USA
Bruce Vaughn
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
Boulder, Boulder, 80303, USA
Related authors
No articles found.
David J. Harning, Jonathan H. Raberg, Jamie M. McFarlin, Yarrow Axford, Christopher R. Florian, Kristín B. Ólafsdóttir, Sebastian Kopf, Julio Sepúlveda, Gifford H. Miller, and Áslaug Geirsdóttir
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4275–4293, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4275-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4275-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
As human-induced global warming progresses, changes to Arctic precipitation are expected, but predictions are limited by an incomplete understanding of past changes in the hydrological system. Here, we measured water isotopes, a common tool to reconstruct past precipitation, from lakes, streams, and soils across Iceland. These data will allow robust reconstruction of past precipitation changes in Iceland in future studies.
Chloe A. Brashear, Tyler R. Jones, Valerie Morris, Bruce H. Vaughn, William H. G. Roberts, William B. Skorski, Abigail G. Hughes, Richard Nunn, Sune Olander Rasmussen, Kurt M. Cuffey, Bo M. Vinther, Todd Sowers, Christo Buizert, Vasileios Gkinis, Christian Holme, Mari F. Jensen, Sofia E. Kjellman, Petra M. Langebroek, Florian Mekhaldi, Kevin S. Rozmiarek, Jonathan W. Rheinlænder, Margit Simon, Giulia Sinnl, Silje Smith-Johnsen, and James W. C. White
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1003, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1003, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We use a series of spectral techniques to quantify the strength of high-frequency climate variability in Northeastern Greenland to 50,000 ka before present. Importantly, we find that variability consistently decreases hundreds of years prior to Dansgaard-Oeschger warming events. Model simulations suggest a change in North Atlantic sea ice behavior contributed to this pattern, thus providing new information on the conditions which proceeded abrupt climate change during the Last Glacial Period.
Alison J. Smith, Emi Ito, Natalie Burls, Leon Clarke, Timme Donders, Robert Hatfield, Stephen Kuehn, Andreas Koutsodendris, Tim Lowenstein, David McGee, Peter Molnar, Alexander Prokopenko, Katie Snell, Blas Valero Garcés, Josef Werne, Christian Zeeden, and the PlioWest Working Consortium
Sci. Dril., 32, 61–72, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-32-61-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-32-61-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Western North American contains accessible and under-recognized paleolake records that hold the keys to understanding the drivers of wetter conditions in Pliocene Epoch subtropical drylands worldwide. In a 2021 ICDP workshop, we chose five paleolake basins to study that span 7° of latitude in a unique array able to capture a detailed record of hydroclimate during the Early Pliocene warm period and subsequent Pleistocene cooling. We propose new drill cores for three of these basins.
Joël Thanwerdas, Marielle Saunois, Antoine Berchet, Isabelle Pison, Bruce H. Vaughn, Sylvia Englund Michel, and Philippe Bousquet
Geosci. Model Dev., 15, 4831–4851, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-4831-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-4831-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Estimating CH4 sources by exploiting observations within an inverse modeling framework is a powerful approach. Here, a new system designed to assimilate δ13C(CH4) observations together with CH4 observations is presented. By optimizing both the emissions and associated source signatures of multiple emission categories, this new system can efficiently differentiate the co-located emission categories and provide estimates of CH4 sources that are consistent with isotopic data.
Sarah J. Widlansky, Ross Secord, Kathryn E. Snell, Amy E. Chew, and William C. Clyde
Clim. Past, 18, 681–712, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-681-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-681-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
New stable isotope records from pedogenic carbonates through the ETM2, H2, and possibly I1 hyperthermals from the Bighorn Basin highlight significant spatial variability in the preservation and magnitude of these global climate events in paleosol records. These data also provide important climate context for the extensive early Eocene mammal fossil record from the southern Bighorn Basin and support previous hypotheses that pulses in mammal turnover corresponded to the ETM2 and H2 hyperthermals.
Kevin S. Rozmiarek, Bruce H. Vaughn, Tyler R. Jones, Valerie Morris, William B. Skorski, Abigail G. Hughes, Jack Elston, Sonja Wahl, Anne-Katrine Faber, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7045–7067, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7045-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7045-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We have designed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sampling platform for operation in extreme polar environments that is capable of sampling atmospheric water vapor for subsequent measurement of water isotopes. During flight, we measure location, temperature, humidity, and pressure to determine the height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) using algorithms, allowing for strategic decision-making by the pilot to collect samples in glass flasks contained in the nose cone of the UAV.
Jonathan H. Raberg, David J. Harning, Sarah E. Crump, Greg de Wet, Aria Blumm, Sebastian Kopf, Áslaug Geirsdóttir, Gifford H. Miller, and Julio Sepúlveda
Biogeosciences, 18, 3579–3603, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3579-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3579-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
BrGDGT lipids are a proxy for temperature in lake sediments, but other parameters like pH can influence them, and seasonality can affect the temperatures they record. We find a warm-season bias at 43 new high-latitude sites. We also present a new method that deconvolves the effects of temperature, pH, and conductivity and generate global calibrations for these variables. Our study provides new paleoclimate tools, insight into brGDGTs at the biochemical level, and a new method for future study.
Abigail G. Hughes, Tyler R. Jones, Bo M. Vinther, Vasileios Gkinis, C. Max Stevens, Valerie Morris, Bruce H. Vaughn, Christian Holme, Bradley R. Markle, and James W. C. White
Clim. Past, 16, 1369–1386, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-1369-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-1369-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
An ice core drilled on the Renland ice cap (RECAP) in east-central Greenland contains a continuous climate record dating through the last glacial period. Here we present the water isotope record for the Holocene, in which high-resolution climate information is retained for the last 8 kyr. We find that the RECAP water isotope record exhibits seasonal and decadal variability which may reflect sea surface conditions and regional climate variability.
Dominic A. Winski, Tyler J. Fudge, David G. Ferris, Erich C. Osterberg, John M. Fegyveresi, Jihong Cole-Dai, Zayta Thundercloud, Thomas S. Cox, Karl J. Kreutz, Nikolas Ortman, Christo Buizert, Jenna Epifanio, Edward J. Brook, Ross Beaudette, Jeffrey Severinghaus, Todd Sowers, Eric J. Steig, Emma C. Kahle, Tyler R. Jones, Valerie Morris, Murat Aydin, Melinda R. Nicewonger, Kimberly A. Casey, Richard B. Alley, Edwin D. Waddington, Nels A. Iverson, Nelia W. Dunbar, Ryan C. Bay, Joseph M. Souney, Michael Sigl, and Joseph R. McConnell
Clim. Past, 15, 1793–1808, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-15-1793-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-15-1793-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
A deep ice core was recently drilled at the South Pole to understand past variations in the Earth's climate. To understand the information contained within the ice, we present the relationship between the depth and age of the ice in the South Pole Ice Core. We found that the oldest ice in our record is from 54 302 ± 519 years ago. Our results show that, on average, 7.4 cm of snow falls at the South Pole each year.
Isaac J. Vimont, Jocelyn C. Turnbull, Vasilii V. Petrenko, Philip F. Place, Colm Sweeney, Natasha Miles, Scott Richardson, Bruce H. Vaughn, and James W. C. White
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 8547–8562, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8547-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8547-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Stable isotopes of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and radiocarbon carbon dioxide were measured over three summers at Indianapolis, Indiana, US, and for 1 year at a site thought to be strongly influenced by CO from oxidized volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in South Carolina, US. The Indianapolis results were used to provide an estimate of the carbon and oxygen isotopic signatures of CO produced from oxidized VOCs. This updated estimate agrees well with the data from South Carolina during the summer.
Christian Holme, Vasileios Gkinis, Mika Lanzky, Valerie Morris, Martin Olesen, Abigail Thayer, Bruce H. Vaughn, and Bo M. Vinther
Clim. Past, 15, 893–912, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-15-893-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-15-893-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the linear relationship between the water isotopes of three East Greenland ice cores and regional temperatures. By comparing the water isotopes with nearby instrumental temperature records and reanalysis data, this study demonstrates that it can be problematic to reconstruct temperatures through regression of water isotope data from coastal ice cores. We further show that the varying linear relationship could be connected with changes in sea ice near the drill site.
Taku Umezawa, Carl A. M. Brenninkmeijer, Thomas Röckmann, Carina van der Veen, Stanley C. Tyler, Ryo Fujita, Shinji Morimoto, Shuji Aoki, Todd Sowers, Jochen Schmitt, Michael Bock, Jonas Beck, Hubertus Fischer, Sylvia E. Michel, Bruce H. Vaughn, John B. Miller, James W. C. White, Gordon Brailsford, Hinrich Schaefer, Peter Sperlich, Willi A. Brand, Michael Rothe, Thomas Blunier, David Lowry, Rebecca E. Fisher, Euan G. Nisbet, Andrew L. Rice, Peter Bergamaschi, Cordelia Veidt, and Ingeborg Levin
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 1207–1231, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-1207-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-1207-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Isotope measurements are useful for separating different methane sources. However, the lack of widely accepted standards and calibration methods for stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic ratios of methane in air has caused significant measurement offsets among laboratories. We conducted worldwide interlaboratory comparisons, surveyed the literature and assessed them systematically. This study may be of help in future attempts to harmonize data sets of isotopic composition of atmospheric methane.
Ivar R. van der Velde, John B. Miller, Michiel K. van der Molen, Pieter P. Tans, Bruce H. Vaughn, James W. C. White, Kevin Schaefer, and Wouter Peters
Geosci. Model Dev., 11, 283–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-283-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-283-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We explored an inverse modeling technique to interpret global atmospheric measurements of CO2 and the ratio of its stable carbon isotopes (δ13C). We detected the possible underestimation of drought stress in biosphere models after applying combined atmospheric CO2 and δ13C constraints. This study highlights the importance of improving the representation of the biosphere in carbon–climate models, in particular in a world where droughts become more extreme and more frequent.
Heather Graven, Colin E. Allison, David M. Etheridge, Samuel Hammer, Ralph F. Keeling, Ingeborg Levin, Harro A. J. Meijer, Mauro Rubino, Pieter P. Tans, Cathy M. Trudinger, Bruce H. Vaughn, and James W. C. White
Geosci. Model Dev., 10, 4405–4417, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-4405-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-4405-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Modelling of carbon isotopes 13C and 14C in land and ocean components of Earth system models provides opportunities for new insights and improved understanding of global carbon cycling, and for model evaluation. We compiled existing historical datasets to define the annual mean carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 for 1850–2015 that can be used in CMIP6 and other modelling activities.
Tyler R. Jones, James W. C. White, Eric J. Steig, Bruce H. Vaughn, Valerie Morris, Vasileios Gkinis, Bradley R. Markle, and Spruce W. Schoenemann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 617–632, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-617-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-617-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
New measurement systems have been developed that continuously melt ice core samples, in contrast to other methods that analyze a single sample at a time. These newer systems are capable of reducing analysis time by many years and improving data set resolution. In this study, we introduce improved methodologies that optimize the speed, accuracy, and precision of a water isotope continuous-flow system. The presented system will be used for Antarctic and Greenland ice core projects.
Daniel J. Lunt, Matthew Huber, Eleni Anagnostou, Michiel L. J. Baatsen, Rodrigo Caballero, Rob DeConto, Henk A. Dijkstra, Yannick Donnadieu, David Evans, Ran Feng, Gavin L. Foster, Ed Gasson, Anna S. von der Heydt, Chris J. Hollis, Gordon N. Inglis, Stephen M. Jones, Jeff Kiehl, Sandy Kirtland Turner, Robert L. Korty, Reinhardt Kozdon, Srinath Krishnan, Jean-Baptiste Ladant, Petra Langebroek, Caroline H. Lear, Allegra N. LeGrande, Kate Littler, Paul Markwick, Bette Otto-Bliesner, Paul Pearson, Christopher J. Poulsen, Ulrich Salzmann, Christine Shields, Kathryn Snell, Michael Stärz, James Super, Clay Tabor, Jessica E. Tierney, Gregory J. L. Tourte, Aradhna Tripati, Garland R. Upchurch, Bridget S. Wade, Scott L. Wing, Arne M. E. Winguth, Nicky M. Wright, James C. Zachos, and Richard E. Zeebe
Geosci. Model Dev., 10, 889–901, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-889-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-889-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper we describe the experimental design for a set of simulations which will be carried out by a range of climate models, all investigating the climate of the Eocene, about 50 million years ago. The intercomparison of model results is called 'DeepMIP', and we anticipate that we will contribute to the next IPCC report through an analysis of these simulations and the geological data to which we will compare them.
Nicola J. Warwick, Michelle L. Cain, Rebecca Fisher, James L. France, David Lowry, Sylvia E. Michel, Euan G. Nisbet, Bruce H. Vaughn, James W. C. White, and John A. Pyle
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 14891–14908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14891-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-14891-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Methane is an important greenhouse gas. Methane emissions from Arctic wetlands are poorly quantified and may increase in a warming climate. Using a global atmospheric model and atmospheric observations of methane and its isotopologues, we find that isotopologue data are useful in constraining Arctic wetland emissions. Our results suggest that the seasonal cycle of these emissions may be incorrectly simulated in land process models, with implications for our understanding of future emissions.
A. Ghosh, P. K. Patra, K. Ishijima, T. Umezawa, A. Ito, D. M. Etheridge, S. Sugawara, K. Kawamura, J. B. Miller, E. J. Dlugokencky, P. B. Krummel, P. J. Fraser, L. P. Steele, R. L. Langenfelds, C. M. Trudinger, J. W. C. White, B. Vaughn, T. Saeki, S. Aoki, and T. Nakazawa
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 2595–2612, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2595-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2595-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric CH4 increased from 900ppb to 1800ppb during the period 1900–2010 at a rate unprecedented in any observational records. We use bottom-up emissions and a chemistry-transport model to simulate CH4. The optimized global total CH4 emission, estimated from the model–observation differences, increased at fastest rate during 1940–1990. Using δ13C of CH4 measurements we attribute this emission increase to biomass burning. Total CH4 lifetime is shortened by 4% over the simulation period.
Related subject area
Subject: Ecohydrology | Techniques and Approaches: Instruments and observation techniques
Seasonal shifts in depth-to-water uptake by young thinned and overstocked lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests under drought conditions in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Hydrological and pedological effects of combining Italian alder and blackberries in an agroforestry windbreak system in South Africa
Rainfall redistribution in subtropical Chinese forests changes over 22 years
The influence of hillslope topography on beech water use: a comparative study in two different climates
Real-time biological early-warning system based on freshwater mussels’ valvometry data
Root water uptake patterns are controlled by tree species interactions and soil water variability
The seasonal origins and ages of water provisioning streams and trees in a tropical montane cloud forest
Benefits of a robotic chamber system for determining evapotranspiration in an erosion-affected, heterogeneous cropland
Quantifying river water contributions to the transpiration of riparian trees along a losing river: lessons from stable isotopes and an iteration method
Dye-tracer-aided investigation of xylem water transport velocity distributions
Throughfall spatial patterns translate into spatial patterns of soil moisture dynamics – empirical evidence
Routing stemflow water through the soil via preferential flow: a dual-labelling approach with artificial tracers
Improving soil aquifer treatment efficiency using air injection into the subsurface
Dynamic root growth in response to depth-varying soil moisture availability: a rhizobox study
Controls on leaf water hydrogen and oxygen isotopes: a local investigation across seasons and altitude
Resolving seasonal and diel dynamics of non-rainfall water inputs in a Mediterranean ecosystem using lysimeters
The effect of rainfall amount and timing on annual transpiration in a grazed savanna grassland
Inter- and intra-event rainfall partitioning dynamics of two typical xerophytic shrubs in the Loess Plateau of China
A comparative study of plant water extraction methods for isotopic analyses: Scholander-type pressure chamber vs. cryogenic vacuum distillation
Technical note: Conservative storage of water vapour – practical in situ sampling of stable isotopes in tree stems
Xylem water in riparian willow trees (Salix alba) reveals shallow sources of root water uptake by in situ monitoring of stable water isotopes
Technical note: High-accuracy weighing micro-lysimeter system for long-term measurements of non-rainfall water inputs to grasslands
Response of water fluxes and biomass production to climate change in permanent grassland soil ecosystems
Ecohydrological travel times derived from in situ stable water isotope measurements in trees during a semi-controlled pot experiment
Insights into the isotopic mismatch between bulk soil water and Salix matsudana Koidz trunk water from root water stable isotope measurements
The role of dew and radiation fog inputs in the local water cycling of a temperate grassland during dry spells in central Europe
Co-evolution of xylem water and soil water stable isotopic composition in a northern mixed forest biome
Vapor plumes in a tropical wet forest: spotting the invisible evaporation
Rapid reduction in ecosystem productivity caused by flash droughts based on decade-long FLUXNET observations
Throughfall isotopic composition in relation to drop size at the intra-event scale in a Mediterranean Scots pine stand
Rainfall interception and redistribution by a common North American understory and pasture forb, Eupatorium capillifolium (Lam. dogfennel)
In situ measurements of soil and plant water isotopes: a review of approaches, practical considerations and a vision for the future
Coalescence of bacterial groups originating from urban runoffs and artificial infiltration systems among aquifer microbiomes
A combination of soil water extraction methods quantifies the isotopic mixing of waters held at separate tensions in soil
Using water stable isotopes to understand evaporation, moisture stress, and re-wetting in catchment forest and grassland soils of the summer drought of 2018
Partitioning growing season water balance within a forested boreal catchment using sap flux, eddy covariance, and a process-based model
Technical note: Long-term probe misalignment and proposed quality control using the heat pulse method for transpiration estimations
Contribution of understory evaporation in a tropical wet forest during the dry season
Coffee and shade trees show complementary use of soil water in a traditional agroforestry ecosystem
Responses of soil water storage and crop water use efficiency to changing climatic conditions: a lysimeter-based space-for-time approach
Neighbourhood and stand structure affect stemflow generation in a heterogeneous deciduous temperate forest
Technical Note: A global database of the stable isotopic ratios of meteoric and terrestrial waters
Temporally dependent effects of rainfall characteristics on inter- and intra-event branch-scale stemflow variability in two xerophytic shrubs
Dissolved organic carbon driven by rainfall events from a semi-arid catchment during concentrated rainfall season in the Loess Plateau, China
Dew frequency across the US from a network of in situ radiometers
Seasonal origins of soil water used by trees
Forest harvesting impacts on microclimate conditions and sediment transport activities in a humid periglacial environment
Hydrogeochemical controls on brook trout spawning habitats in a coastal stream
Speculations on the application of foliar 13C discrimination to reveal groundwater dependency of vegetation and provide estimates of root depth and rates of groundwater use
Evaporation from cultivated and semi-wild Sudanian Savanna in west Africa
Emory C. Ellis, Robert D. Guy, and Xiaohua A. Wei
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4667–4684, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4667-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4667-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study analyzes water-stable isotope composition by analyzing the impact of forest thinning on lodgepole pine depth-to-water uptake and water-use strategies. Lodgepole pine's primary source is spring snowmelt and shifts to rely on deeper soil water to maintain water uptake. There was no effect of decreased stand density on depth-to-water uptake. It will become more critical that we know how much water forests are using and which strategies trees use to sustain their water supply.
Svenja Hoffmeister, Rafael Bohn Reckziegel, Ben du Toit, Sibylle K. Hassler, Florian Kestel, Rebekka Maier, Jonathan P. Sheppard, and Erwin Zehe
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3963–3982, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3963-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3963-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We studied a tree–crop ecosystem consisting of a blackberry field and an alder windbreak. In the water-scarce region, irrigation provides sufficient water for plant growth. The windbreak lowers the irrigation amount by reducing wind speed and therefore water transport into the atmosphere. These ecosystems could provide sustainable use of water-scarce landscapes, and we studied the complex interactions by observing several aspects (e.g. soil, nutrients, carbon assimilation, water).
Wanjun Zhang, Thomas Scholten, Steffen Seitz, Qianmei Zhang, Guowei Chu, Linhua Wang, Xin Xiong, and Juxiu Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3837–3854, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3837-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3837-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Rainfall input generally controls soil water and plant growth. We focus on rainfall redistribution in succession sequence forests over 22 years. Some changes in rainwater volume and chemistry in the throughfall and stemflow and drivers were investigated. Results show that shifted open rainfall over time and forest factors induced remarkable variability in throughfall and stemflow, which potentially makes forecasting future changes in water resources in the forest ecosystems more difficult.
Ginevra Fabiani, Julian Klaus, and Daniele Penna
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 2683–2703, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2683-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2683-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
There is a limited understanding of the role that topography and climate play in tree water use. Through a cross-site comparison in Luxembourg and Italy, we investigated beech water use along slopes in different climates. Our findings indicate that in landscapes characterized by stronger hydraulic and climatic gradients there is greater spatial variation in tree physiological responses. This highlights how differing growing conditions across landscapes can lead to contrasting tree performances.
Ashkan Pilbala, Nicoletta Riccardi, Nina Benistati, Vanessa Modesto, Donatella Termini, Dario Manca, Augusto Benigni, Cristiano Corradini, Tommaso Lazzarin, Tommaso Moramarco, Luigi Fraccarollo, and Sebastiano Piccolroaz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 2297–2311, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2297-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2297-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the impact of floods on the aquatic ecosystem using freshwater mussels instrumented with sensors to monitor the opening of their valves. Signal analysis techniques were used to gain insight into their responses in terms of changes in the intensity and frequency of valve opening. The approach used in the study enables the development of real-time monitoring systems for ecological purposes and provides a pathway for practical biological early-warning systems.
Gökben Demir, Andrew J. Guswa, Janett Filipzik, Johanna Clara Metzger, Christine Römermann, and Anke Hildebrandt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1441–1461, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1441-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1441-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Experimental evidence is scarce to understand how the spatial variation in below-canopy precipitation affects root water uptake patterns. Here, we conducted field measurements to investigate drivers of root water uptake patterns while accounting for canopy induced heterogeneity in water input. We found that tree species interactions and soil moisture variability, rather than below-canopy precipitation patterns, control root water uptake patterns in a mixed unmanaged forest.
Emily I. Burt, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Roxanne M. Cruz-de Hoyos, Adan Julian Ccahuana Quispe, and A. Joshua West
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 4173–4186, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4173-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4173-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
When it rains, water remains in the ground for variable amounts of time before it is taken up by plants or becomes streamflow. Understanding how long water stays in the ground before it is taken up by plants or becomes streamflow helps predict what will happen to the water cycle in future climates. Some studies suggest that plants take up water that has been in the ground for a long time; in contrast, we find that plants take up a significant amount of recent rain.
Adrian Dahlmann, Mathias Hoffmann, Gernot Verch, Marten Schmidt, Michael Sommer, Jürgen Augustin, and Maren Dubbert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3851–3873, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3851-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3851-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a pivotal role in terrestrial water cycling, returning up to 90 % of precipitation to the atmosphere. We studied impacts of soil type and management on an agroecosystem using an automated system with modern modeling approaches. We modeled ET at high spatial and temporal resolution to highlight differences in heterogeneous soils on an hourly basis. Our results show significant differences in yield and smaller differences in ET overall, impacting water use efficiency.
Yue Li, Ying Ma, Xianfang Song, Qian Zhang, and Lixin Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3405–3425, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3405-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3405-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We proposed an iteration method in combination with the MixSIAR model and water isotopes to quantify the river water contribution (RWC) to riparian deep-rooted trees nearby a losing river. River water can indirectly contribute by 20.3 % to water uptake of riparian trees. River recharged riparian groundwater rapidly with a short groundwater residence time (no more than 0.28 d). The RWC to riparian trees was negatively correlated with the water table depth and leaf δ13C in linear functions.
Stefan Seeger and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3393–3404, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3393-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3393-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study proposes a low-budget method to quantify the radial distribution of water transport velocities within trees at a high spatial resolution. We observed a wide spread of water transport velocities within a tree stem section, which were on average 3 times faster than the flux velocity. The distribution of transport velocities has implications for studies that use water isotopic signatures to study root water uptake and usually assume uniform or even implicitly infinite velocities.
Christine Fischer-Bedtke, Johanna Clara Metzger, Gökben Demir, Thomas Wutzler, and Anke Hildebrandt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2899–2918, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2899-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2899-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Canopies change how rain reaches the soil: some spots receive more and others less water. It has long been debated whether this also leads to locally wetter and drier soil. We checked this using measurements of canopy drip and soil moisture. We found that the increase in soil water content after rain was aligned with canopy drip. Independently, the soil storage reaction was dampened in locations prone to drainage, like hig-macroporosity areas, suggesting that canopy drip enhances bypass flow.
Juan Pinos, Markus Flury, Jérôme Latron, and Pilar Llorens
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2865–2881, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2865-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2865-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated how stemflow (intercepted rainwater by the tree crown that travels down the stem) infiltrates within the soil. We simulated stemflow, applying coloured water along a tree trunk. Coloured patterns, observed when we excavated the soil after the experiment, were used to view and quantify preferential flow in the soil. We found that stemflow was mainly funnelled belowground along tree roots and macropores. Soil moisture near the trunk was affected both vertically and horizontally.
Ido Arad, Aviya Ziner, Shany Ben Moshe, Noam Weisbrod, and Alex Furman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2509–2522, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2509-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2509-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In a series of long-column experiments, subsurface air injection in soil aquifer treatment (Air-SAT) was tested as an alternative to conventional flooding–drying operation (FDO) in tertiary wastewater (WW) treatment. Our results show that Air-SAT allows for the treatment of increased WW volumes and results in similar or better effluent quality compared with FDO. These results highlight the possibility of using air injection to treat more effluent and alleviate the pressure on existing SAT sites.
Cynthia Maan, Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis, and Bas J. H. van de Wiel
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2341–2355, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2341-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2341-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Their flexible growth provides the plants with a strong ability to adapt and develop resilience to droughts and climate change. But this adaptability is badly included in crop and climate models. To model plant development in changing environments, we need to include the survival strategies of plants. Based on experimental data, we set up a simple model for soil-moisture-driven root growth. The model performance suggests that soil moisture is a key parameter determining root growth.
Jinzhao Liu, Chong Jiang, Huawu Wu, Li Guo, Haiwei Zhang, and Ying Zhao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 599–612, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-599-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-599-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
What controls leaf water isotopes? We answered the question from two perspectives: respective and dual isotopes. On the one hand, the δ18O and δ2H values of leaf water responded to isotopes of potential source water (i.e., twig water, soil water, and precipitation) and meteorological parameters (i.e., temperature, RH, and precipitation) differently. On the other hand, dual δ18O and δ2H values of leaf water yielded a significant linear relationship associated with altitude and seasonality.
Sinikka Jasmin Paulus, Tarek Sebastian El-Madany, René Orth, Anke Hildebrandt, Thomas Wutzler, Arnaud Carrara, Gerardo Moreno, Oscar Perez-Priego, Olaf Kolle, Markus Reichstein, and Mirco Migliavacca
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6263–6287, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6263-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6263-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyze small inputs of water to ecosystems such as fog, dew, and adsorption of vapor. To measure them, we use a scaling system and later test our attribution of different water fluxes to weight changes. We found that they occur frequently during 1 year in a dry summer ecosystem. In each season, a different flux seems dominant, but they all mainly occur during the night. Therefore, they could be important for the biosphere because rain is unevenly distributed over the year.
Matti Räsänen, Mika Aurela, Ville Vakkari, Johan P. Beukes, Juha-Pekka Tuovinen, Pieter G. Van Zyl, Miroslav Josipovic, Stefan J. Siebert, Tuomas Laurila, Markku Kulmala, Lauri Laakso, Janne Rinne, Ram Oren, and Gabriel Katul
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 5773–5791, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5773-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5773-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The productivity of semiarid grazed grasslands is linked to the variation in rainfall and transpiration. By combining carbon dioxide and water flux measurements, we show that the annual transpiration is nearly constant during wet years while grasses react quickly to dry spells and drought, which reduce transpiration. The planning of annual grazing strategies could consider the early-season rainfall frequency that was linked to the portion of annual transpiration.
Jinxia An, Guangyao Gao, Chuan Yuan, Juan Pinos, and Bojie Fu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3885–3900, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3885-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3885-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
An in-depth investigation was conducted of all rainfall-partitioning components at inter- and intra-event scales for two xerophytic shrubs. Inter-event rainfall partitioning amount and percentage depended more on rainfall amount, and rainfall intensity and duration controlled intra-event rainfall-partitioning variables. One shrub has larger branch angle, small branch and smaller canopy area to produce stemflow more efficiently, and the other has larger biomass to intercept more rainfall.
Giulia Zuecco, Anam Amin, Jay Frentress, Michael Engel, Chiara Marchina, Tommaso Anfodillo, Marco Borga, Vinicio Carraro, Francesca Scandellari, Massimo Tagliavini, Damiano Zanotelli, Francesco Comiti, and Daniele Penna
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3673–3689, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3673-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3673-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We analyzed the variability in the isotopic composition of plant water extracted by two different methods, i.e., cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) and Scholander-type pressure chamber (SPC). Our results indicated that the isotopic composition of plant water extracted by CVD and SPC was significantly different. We concluded that plant water extraction by SPC is not an alternative for CVD as SPC mostly extracts the mobile plant water whereas CVD retrieves all water stored in the sampled tissue.
Ruth-Kristina Magh, Benjamin Gralher, Barbara Herbstritt, Angelika Kübert, Hyungwoo Lim, Tomas Lundmark, and John Marshall
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3573–3587, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a method of sampling and storing water vapour for isotope analysis, allowing us to infer plant water uptake depth. Measurements can be made at high temporal and spatial resolution even in remote areas. We ensured that all necessary components are easily available, making this method cost efficient and simple to implement. We found our method to perform well in the lab and in the field, enabling it to become a tool for everyone aiming to resolve questions regarding the water cycle.
Jessica Landgraf, Dörthe Tetzlaff, Maren Dubbert, David Dubbert, Aaron Smith, and Chris Soulsby
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2073–2092, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2073-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2073-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Using water stable isotopes, we studied from which water source (lake water, stream water, groundwater, or soil water) two willows were taking their water. We monitored the environmental conditions (e.g. air temperature and soil moisture) and the behaviour of the trees (water flow in the stem). We found that the most likely water sources of the willows were the upper soil layers but that there were seasonal dynamics.
Andreas Riedl, Yafei Li, Jon Eugster, Nina Buchmann, and Werner Eugster
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 91–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-91-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-91-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The aim of this study was to develop a high-accuracy micro-lysimeter system for the quantification of non-rainfall water inputs that overcomes existing drawbacks. The micro-lysimeter system had a high accuracy and allowed us to quantify and distinguish between different types of non-rainfall water inputs, like dew and fog. Non-rainfall water inputs occurred frequently in a Swiss Alpine grassland ecosystem. These water inputs can be an important water source for grasslands during dry periods.
Veronika Forstner, Jannis Groh, Matevz Vremec, Markus Herndl, Harry Vereecken, Horst H. Gerke, Steffen Birk, and Thomas Pütz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 6087–6106, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6087-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6087-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Lysimeter-based manipulative and observational experiments were used to identify responses of water fluxes and aboveground biomass (AGB) to climatic change in permanent grassland. Under energy-limited conditions, elevated temperature actual evapotranspiration (ETa) increased, while seepage, dew, and AGB decreased. Elevated CO2 mitigated the effect on ETa. Under water limitation, elevated temperature resulted in reduced ETa, and AGB was negatively correlated with an increasing aridity.
David Mennekes, Michael Rinderer, Stefan Seeger, and Natalie Orlowski
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4513–4530, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4513-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4513-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In situ stable water isotope measurements are a recently developed method to measure water movement from the soil through the plant to the atmosphere in high resolution and precision. Here, we present important advantages of the new method in comparison to commonly used measurement methods in an experimental setup. Overall, this method can help to answer research questions such as plant responses to climate change with potentially shifting water availability or temperatures.
Ying Zhao and Li Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3975–3989, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3975-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3975-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
At our study site during the experimental period, trunk water was only isotopically similar to root water at 100–160 cm depths. The isotopic composition of root water deviated from that of bulk soil water but overlapped with the composition derived for less mobile water. These findings suggest that the isotopic offset between bulk soil water and trunk water was due to the isotopic mismatch between root water and bulk soil water associated with soil water heterogeneity.
Yafei Li, Franziska Aemisegger, Andreas Riedl, Nina Buchmann, and Werner Eugster
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2617–2648, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2617-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2617-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
During dry spells, dew and fog potentially play an increasingly important role in temperate grasslands. Research on the combined mechanisms of dew and fog inputs to ecosystems and distillation of water vapor from soil to plant surfaces is rare. Our results using stable water isotopes highlight the importance of dew and fog inputs to temperate grasslands during dry spells and reveal the complexity of the local water cycling in such conditions, including different pathways of dew and fog inputs.
Jenna R. Snelgrove, James M. Buttle, Matthew J. Kohn, and Dörthe Tetzlaff
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2169–2186, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2169-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2169-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Co-evolution of plant and soil water isotopic composition throughout the growing season in a little-studied northern mixed forest landscape was explored. Marked inter-specific differences in the isotopic composition of xylem water relative to surrounding soil water occurred, despite thin soil cover constraining inter-species differences in rooting depths. We provide potential explanations for differences in temporal evolution of xylem water isotopic composition in this northern landscape.
César Dionisio Jiménez-Rodríguez, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Bart Schilperoort, Adriana del Pilar González-Angarita, and Hubert Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 619–635, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-619-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-619-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
During rainfall events, evaporation from tropical forests is usually ignored. However, the water retained in the canopy during rainfall increases the evaporation despite the high-humidity conditions. In a tropical wet forest in Costa Rica, it was possible to depict vapor plumes rising from the forest canopy during rainfall. These plumes are evidence of forest evaporation. Also, we identified the conditions that allowed this phenomenon to happen using time-lapse videos and meteorological data.
Miao Zhang and Xing Yuan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5579–5593, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5579-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5579-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We identify flash drought events by considering the decline rate of soil moisture and the drought persistency, and we detect the response of ecosystem carbon and water fluxes to flash droughts based on FLUXNET observations. We find rapid declines in carbon assimilation within 16–24 d of flash drought onset, where savannas show the highest sensitivity. Water use efficiency increases for forests but decreases for herbaceous ecosystems during the recovery stage of flash droughts.
Juan Pinos, Jérôme Latron, Kazuki Nanko, Delphis F. Levia, and Pilar Llorens
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4675–4690, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4675-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4675-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Water that drips or splashes from a canopy or passes through it is termed throughfall. This is the first known study to examine interrelationships between throughfall isotopic fractionation and throughfall drop size. Working in a mountainous Scots pine forest, we found that throughfall splash droplets were more prevalent at the onset of rain when vapour pressure deficits were larger. This finding has important implications for water mixing in the canopy and for theories of canopy interception.
D. Alex R. Gordon, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Brent A. Sellers, S. M. Moein Sadeghi, and John T. Van Stan II
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4587–4599, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4587-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4587-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Where plants exist, rain must pass through canopies to reach soils. We studied how rain interacts with dogfennel – a highly problematic weed that is abundant in pastures, grasslands, rangelands, urban forests and along highways. Dogfennels evaporated large portions (approx. one-fifth) of rain and drained significant (at times > 25 %) rain (and dew) down their stems to their roots (via stemflow). This may explain how dogfennel survives and even invades managed landscapes during extended droughts.
Matthias Beyer, Kathrin Kühnhammer, and Maren Dubbert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4413–4440, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4413-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4413-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Water isotopes are a scientific tool that can be used to identify sources of water and answer questions such as
From which soil depths do plants take up water?, which are highly relevant under changing climatic conditions. In the past, the measurement of water isotopes required tremendous effort. In the last decade methods have advanced and can now be applied in the field. Herein, we review the current status of direct field measurements of water isotopes and discuss future applications.
Yannick Colin, Rayan Bouchali, Laurence Marjolet, Romain Marti, Florian Vautrin, Jérémy Voisin, Emilie Bourgeois, Veronica Rodriguez-Nava, Didier Blaha, Thierry Winiarski, Florian Mermillod-Blondin, and Benoit Cournoyer
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4257–4273, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4257-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4257-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Stormwater infiltration systems (SISs) are a source of pollution that may have adverse ecological and sanitary impacts. The incidence of a SIS on the coalescence of microbial communities from runoff waters and aboveground sediments with those of an aquifer was investigated. Aquifer waters showed lower coalescence with aboveground bacterial taxa than aquifer biofilms. These biofilms were colonized by bacterial hydrocarbon degraders and harboured undesirable human-opportunistic pathogens.
William H. Bowers, Jason J. Mercer, Mark S. Pleasants, and David G. Williams
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4045–4060, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4045-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4045-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Determining the chemical composition of soil water can help to address questions concerning water transport and use. However, there are many observations of incompletely mixed soil water within various soil pore domains. We applied two contrasting waters to soil samples and then removed water from the soils with three sequential and increasing applied energy steps to assess soil water mixing and equilibration over time. We found it took more than 3 d for soil water to mix and equilibrate.
Lukas Kleine, Doerthe Tetzlaff, Aaron Smith, Hailong Wang, and Chris Soulsby
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3737–3752, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3737-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3737-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated the effects of the 2018 drought on water partitioning in a lowland catchment under grassland and forest in north-eastern Germany. Conditions resulted in drying up of streams, yield losses, and lower groundwater levels. Oak trees continued to transpire during the drought. We used stable isotopes to assess the fluxes and ages of water. Sustainable use of resource water requires such understanding of ecohydrological water partitioning.
Nataliia Kozii, Kersti Haahti, Pantana Tor-ngern, Jinshu Chi, Eliza Maher Hasselquist, Hjalmar Laudon, Samuli Launiainen, Ram Oren, Matthias Peichl, Jörgen Wallerman, and Niles J. Hasselquist
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2999–3014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2999-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2999-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The hydrologic cycle is one of the greatest natural processes on Earth and strongly influences both regional and global climate as well as ecosystem functioning. Results from this study clearly show the central role trees play in regulating the water cycle of boreal catchments, implying that forest management impacts on stand structure as well as climate change effects on tree growth are likely to have large cascading effects on the way water moves through boreal forested landscapes.
Elisabeth K. Larsen, Jose Luis Palau, Jose Antonio Valiente, Esteban Chirino, and Juan Bellot
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2755–2767, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2755-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2755-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
To improve long-term sap flow measurements when using the heat ratio method, this study introduces a dynamic probe misalignment correction method. This work uses sap flow data from four Aleppo pines from April 2017 to December 2018 and shows how a classical probe correction approach declines in accuracy over time. Additionally, it is proposed that a new set of statistical information be recorded along with the sap flow readings to ensure the quality of the raw data.
César Dionisio Jiménez-Rodríguez, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Jochen Wenninger, Adriana Gonzalez-Angarita, and Hubert Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2179–2206, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2179-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-2179-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Tropical forest ecosystems are able to export a lot of water to the atmosphere by means of evaporation. However, little is known on how their complex structure affects this water flux. This paper analyzes the contribution of three canopy layers in terms of water fluxes and stable water isotope signatures. During the dry season in 2018 the two lower canopy layers provide 20 % of measured evaporation, highlighting the importance of knowing how forest structure can affect the hydrological cycle.
Lyssette Elena Muñoz-Villers, Josie Geris, María Susana Alvarado-Barrientos, Friso Holwerda, and Todd Dawson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1649–1668, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1649-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1649-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Our research showed, consistently, a complementary use of soil water sources between coffee (Coffea Arabica var. typica) plants and shade tree species during the dry and wet seasons in a traditional agroforestry ecosystem in central Veracruz, Mexico. However, more variability in plant water sources was observed among species in the rainy season when higher soil moisture conditions were present and water stress was largely absent.
Jannis Groh, Jan Vanderborght, Thomas Pütz, Hans-Jörg Vogel, Ralf Gründling, Holger Rupp, Mehdi Rahmati, Michael Sommer, Harry Vereecken, and Horst H. Gerke
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1211–1225, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1211-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1211-2020, 2020
Johanna C. Metzger, Jens Schumacher, Markus Lange, and Anke Hildebrandt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 4433–4452, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4433-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4433-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Variation in stemflow (rain water running down the stem) enhances the formation of flow hot spots at the forest floor. Investigating drivers based on detailed measurements, we find that forest structure affects stemflow, both for individual trees and small communities. Densely packed forest patches received more stemflow, due to a higher proportion of woody structure and canopy morphology adjustments, which increase the potential for flow path generation connecting crowns and soil.
Annie L. Putman and Gabriel J. Bowen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 4389–4396, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4389-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4389-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We describe an open-access, global database of stable water isotope ratios of various water types. The database facilitates data archiving, supports standardized metadata collection, and decreases the time investment for metanalyses. To promote data discovery and collaboration, the database exposes metadata and data owner contact information for private data but only permits download of public data. Two companion apps support digital data collection and processing and upload of analyzed data.
Chuan Yuan, Guangyao Gao, Bojie Fu, Daming He, Xingwu Duan, and Xiaohua Wei
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 4077–4095, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4077-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4077-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The stemflow dynamics of two xerophytic shrubs were investigated at the inter- and intra-event scales with high-temporal-resolution data in 54 rain events. Stemflow process was depicted by intensity, duration and time lags to rain events. Funneling ratio was calculated as the ratio of stemflow to rainfall intensities. Rainfall intensity and raindrop momentum controlled stemflow intensity and time lags. Influences of rainfall characteristics on stemflow variables showed temporal dependence.
Linhua Wang, Haw Yen, Xinhui E, Liding Chen, and Yafeng Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3141–3153, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3141-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3141-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
A high-frequency approach was used to monitor dynamic changes of DOC exported during the concentrated rainfall season in LPR, China. DOC concentration and flux from an ecologically restored catchment in the LPR was investigated. Hysteresis analysis indicated non-linear relationships between DOC concentration and discharge rate in a rainfall event. DOC export is substantially affected by the interaction of rainfall and antecedent conditions for a rainfall event.
François Ritter, Max Berkelhammer, and Daniel Beysens
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1179–1197, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1179-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1179-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
There currently is no standardized approach for measuring dew formation, making it difficult to compare its frequency and importance across ecosystems. Recently, canopy surface temperature data from 30 sites in the US were measured continuously using in situ infrared radiometers. The analysis presented here provides the first continental-scale standardized synthesis of dew formation. This work provides a basis for considering how changing climate and land use will influence dew formation.
Scott T. Allen, James W. Kirchner, Sabine Braun, Rolf T. W. Siegwolf, and Gregory R. Goldsmith
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1199–1210, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1199-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1199-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We used stable isotopes of xylem water to study differences in the seasonal origin of water in more than 900 individual trees from three dominant species in 182 Swiss forested sites. We discovered that midsummer transpiration was mostly supplied by winter precipitation across diverse humid climates. Our findings provide new insights into tree vulnerability to droughts, transport of water (and thus solutes) in soils, and the climatic information conveyed by plant-tissue isotopes.
Fumitoshi Imaizumi, Ryoko Nishii, Kenichi Ueno, and Kousei Kurobe
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 155–170, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-155-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-155-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated seasonal changes in sediment transport activities following forest harvesting in a humid periglacial area. Removal of the forest canopy by forest harvesting alters the type of winter soil creep. Winter creep velocity of the ground surface sediment in the harvested site was significantly higher than that in the non-harvested site. Meanwhile, sediment flux on the hillslopes decreased in the harvested site because of capture of sediment by branches of harvested trees.
Martin A. Briggs, Judson W. Harvey, Stephen T. Hurley, Donald O. Rosenberry, Timothy McCobb, Dale Werkema, and John W. Lane Jr.
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 6383–6398, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6383-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6383-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Brook trout are known to seek out groundwater-discharge zones for spawning. However, in a groundwater-dominated system, we observed trout using a few locations for repeatedly laying eggs. To improve the management of this cold-water species, we wanted to know why these specific groundwater-discharge zones were desirable. Through a combination of geophysical and chemical measurements, we found that locations where the stream intersects the sandy valley wall create oxygen-rich seepage zones.
Rizwana Rumman, James Cleverly, Rachael H. Nolan, Tonantzin Tarin, and Derek Eamus
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4875–4889, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4875-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4875-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Groundwater is a significant water resource for humans and for groundwater-dependent vegetation. Several challenges to managing both groundwater resources and dependent vegetation include defining the location of dependent vegetation, the rate of groundwater use, and the depth of roots accessing groundwater. In this study we demonstrate a novel application of measurements of stable isotopes of carbon that can be used to identify the location, the rooting depth, and the rate of groundwater use.
Natalie C. Ceperley, Theophile Mande, Nick van de Giesen, Scott Tyler, Hamma Yacouba, and Marc B. Parlange
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4149–4167, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4149-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4149-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We relate land cover (savanna forest and agriculture) to evaporation in Burkina Faso, west Africa. We observe more evaporation and temperature movement over the savanna forest in the headwater area relative to the agricultural section of the watershed. We find that the fraction of available energy converted to evaporation relates to vegetation cover and soil moisture. From the results, evaporation can be calculated where ground-based measurements are lacking, frequently the case across Africa.
Cited articles
Beyer, M., Kühnhammer, K., and Dubbert, M.: In situ measurements of
soil and plant water isotopes: a review of approaches, practical considerations and a vision for the future, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4413–4440, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4413-2020, 2020.
Bowen, G. J., Putman, A., Brooks, J. R., Bowling, D. R., Oerter, E. J., and
Good, S. P.: Inferring the source of evaporated waters using stable H and O isotopes, Oecologia, 187, 1025–1039, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-018-4192-5, 2018.
Bowen, G. J., Cai, Z., Fiorella, R. P., and Putman, A. L.: Isotopes in the
Water Cycle: Regional- to Global-Scale Patterns and Applications, Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 47, 453–479, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-053018-060220, 2019.
Brooks, J. R., Barnard, H. R., Coulombe, R., and McDonnell, J. J.: Ecohydrologic separation of water between trees and streams in a Mediterranean climate, Nat. Geosci., 3, 100–104, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo722, 2010.
CoAgMet – Colorado Climate Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA: https://coagmet.colostate.edu/ (last access: 25 April 2023), 2023.
Dawson, T. E. and Ehleringer, J. R.: Streamside trees that do not use stream-water: evidence from hydrogen isotopes ratios, Nature, 350, 335–337, https://doi.org/10.1038/350335a0, 1991.
Gaj, M., Beyer, M., Koeniger, P., Wanke, H., Hamutoko, J., and Himmelsbach,
T.: In situ unsaturated zone water stable isotope (2H and 18O) measurements in semi-arid environments: A soil water balance, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 715–731, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-715-2016, 2016.
Gessler, A., Bächli, L., Rouholahnejad Freund, E., Treydte, K., Schaub,
M., Haeni, M., Weiler, M., Seeger, S., Marshall, J., Hug, C., Zweifel, R.,
Hagedorn, F., Rigling, A., Saurer, M., and Meusburger, K.: Drought reduces
water uptake in beech from the drying topsoil, but no compensatory uptake
occurs from deeper soil layers, New Phytol., 233, 194–206, https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.17767, 2022.
Gómez-Navarro, C., Pataki, D. E., Bowen, G. J., and Oerter, E. J.:
Spatiotemporal variability in water sources of urban soils and trees in the
semiarid, irrigated Salt Lake Valley, Ecohydrology, 12, e2154, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2154, 2019.
Gonfiantini, R., Wassenaar, L. I., Araguas-Araguas, L., and Aggarwal, P. K.: A unified Craig-Gordon isotope model of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope fractionation during fresh or saltwater evaporation, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 235, 224–236, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2018.05.020, 2018.
Good, S. P., Noone, D., and Bowen, G. J.: Hydrologic connectivity constrains partitioning of global terrestrial water fluxes, Science, 349, 175–177, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa5931, 2015.
Green, M. B., Laursen, B. K., Campbell, J. L., Mcguire, K. J., and Kelsey, E. P.: Stable water isotopes suggest sub-canopy water recycling in a northern forested catchment. Hydrol. Process., 29, 5193–5202, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10706, 2015.
Groh, J., Stumpp, C., Lücke, A., Pütz, T., Vanderborght, J., and
Vereecken, H.: Inverse estimation of soil hydraulic and transport parameters
of layered soils from water stable isotope and lysimeter data, Vadose Zone J., 17, 1–19, https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2017.09.0168, 2018.
Gupta, P., Noone, D., Galewsky, J., Sweeney, C., and Vaughn, B. H.: Demonstration of high-precision continuous measurements of water vapor
isotopologues in laboratory and remote field deployments using wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) technology, Rapid
Commun. Mass Spectrom., 23, 2534–2542, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.4100, 2009.
Harm, S. M. and Ludwig, T. K.: Retention and removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in saturated soils of arctic hillslopes, Biogeochemistry, 127,
291–304, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-016-0181-0, 2016.
Havranek, R. E., Snell, K. E., Davidheiser-Kroll, B., Bowen, G. J., and Vaughn, B.: The Soil Water Isotope Storage System (SWISS): An integrated soil water vapor sampling and multiport storage system for stable isotope geochemistry, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 34, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.8783, 2020.
Havranek, R. E., Kopf, S., Snell, K. E., Davidheiser-Kroll, B., Vaughn, B., and Morris, V.: (2023, June 30). Havranek et al., 2023, OSF [data set], https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/G3VSZ, 2023.
Hinckley, E.-L. S., Barnes, R. T., Anderson, S. P., Williams, M. W., and
Bernasconi, S. M.: Nitrogen retention and transport differ by hillslope aspect at the rain-snow transition of the Colorado Front Range, J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo., 119, 12811896, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JG002588, 2014.
Kopf, S. and Havranek, R.: Rhavranek/lablogger_swiss: Havranek et al., 2023 Release (v0.2.0), Zenodo [code], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8213206, 2023.
Kübert, A., Paulus, S., Dahlmann, A., Werner, C., Rothfuss, Y., Orlkowski, N., and Dubbert, M. : Water Stable Isotopes in Ecohydrological Field Research: Comparison Between In Situ and Destructive Monitoring
Methods to Determine Soil Water Isotopic Signatures, Front. Plant Sci., 11, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00387, 2020.
Kühnhammer, K., Dahlmann, A., Iraheta, A., Gerchow, M., Birkel, C.,
Marshall, J. D., and Beyer, M.: Continuous in situ measurements of water stable isotopes in soils, tree trunk and root xylem: Field approval, Rapid
Commun. Mass Spectrom., 36, e9232, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9232, 2022.
Magh, R. K., Gralher, B., Herbstritt, B., Kübert, A., Lim, H., Lundmark,
T., and Marshall, J.: Technical note: Conservative storage of water vapour – practical in situ sampling of stable isotopes in tree stems, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3573–3587, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022, 2022.
Mahindawansha, A., Orlowski, N., Kraft, P., Rothfuss, Y., Racela, H., and Breuer, L.: Quantification of plant water uptake by water stable isotopes in
rice paddy systems, Plant Soil, 429, 281–302, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-018-3693-7, 2018.
Oerter, E. J. and Bowen, G. J.: In situ monitoring of H and O stable isotopes in soil water reveals ecohydrologic dynamics in managed soil systems, Ecohydrology, 10, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.1841, 2017.
Oerter, E. J. and Bowen, G. J.: Spatio-temporal heterogeneity in soil water stable isotopic composition and its ecohydrologic implications in semiarid ecosystems, Hydrol. Process., 33, 1724–1738, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13434, 2019.
Oerter, E. J., Perelet, A., Pardyjak, E., and Bowen, G. J.: Membrane inlet
laser spectroscopy to measure H and O stable isotope compositions of soil
and sediment pore water with high sample throughput, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 31, 75–84, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.7768, 2016.
Peterson, B. J. and Fry, B.: Stable Isotopes in Ecosystem Studies, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 18, 293–320, 1987.
Quade, M., Brüggemann, N., Graf, A., Vanderborght, J., Vereecken, H., and Rothfuss, Y.: Investigation of Kinetic Isotopic Fractionation of Water during Bare Soil Evaporation, Water Resour. Res., 54, 6909–6928,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR023159, 2018.
Quade, M., Klosterhalfen, A., Graf, A., Brüggemann, N., Hermes, N.,
Vereecken, H., and Rothfuss, Y.: In-situ monitoring of soil water isotopic
composition for partitioning of evapotranspiration during one growing season
of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), Agr. Forest Meteorol., 266–267, 53–64,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2018.12.002, 2019.
Rothfuss, Y., Vereecken, H., and Brüggemann, N.: Monitoring water stable isotopic composition in soils using gas-permeable tubing and infrared laser absorption spectroscopy, Water Resour. Res., 49, 3747–3755, https://doi.org/10.1002/wrcr.20311, 2013.
Rothfuss, Y., Merz, S., Vanderborght, J., Hermes, N., Weuthen, A., Pohlmeier, A., Vereecken, H., and Brüggemann, N.: Long-term and high-frequency non-destructive monitoring of water stable isotope profiles in an evaporating soil column, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 4067–4080, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4067-2015, 2015.
Rothfuss, Y., Quade, M., Brüggemann, N., Graf, A., Vereecken, H., and
Dubbert, M.: Reviews and syntheses: Gaining insights into evapotranspiration
partitioning with novel isotopic monitoring methods, Biogeosciences, 18,
3701–3732, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3701-2021, 2021.
Rozmiarek, K. S., Vaughn, B. H., Jones, T. R., Morris, V., Skorski, W. B.,
Hughes, A. G., Elston, J., Wahl, S., Faber, A. K., and Steen-Larsen, H. C.:
An unmanned aerial vehicle sampling platform for atmospheric water vapor
isotopes in polar environments. Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7045–7067, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7045-2021, 2021.
Seeger, S. and Weiler, M.: Temporal dynamics of tree xylem water isotopes: In situ monitoring and modeling, Biogeosciences, 18, 4603–4627,
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4603-2021, 2021.
Soderberg, K., Good, S. P., Wang, L., and Caylor, K.: Stable Isotopes of
Water Vapor in the Vadose Zone: A Review of Measurement and Modeling Techniques, Vadose Zone J., 11, vzj2011.0165, https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2011.0165, 2012.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and United States
Department of Agriculture: Soil Series Classification Database,
https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/ (last access: 9 October 2022), 2022.
Sprenger, M. and Allen, S. T.: What Ecohydrologic Separation Is and Where
We Can Go With It, Water Resour. Res., 56, e2020WR027238, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR027238, 2020.
Sprenger, M., Herbstritt, B., and Weiler, M.: Established methods and new opportunities for pore water stable isotope analysis, Hydrol. Process., 29, 5174–5192, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10643, 2015.
Sprenger, M., Leistert, H., Gimbei, G., and Weiler, M.: Illuminating hydrological processes at the soil-vegetation-atmosphere interface with
water stable isotopes, Rev. Geophys., 54, 674–704, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015RG000515, 2016.
Stumpp, C., Stichler, W., Kandolf, M., and Šimůnek, J.: Effects of
land cover and fertilization method on water flow and solute transport in
five lysimeters: A long-term study using stable water isotopes, Vadose Zone
J., 11, https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2011.0075, 2012.
Theis, D. E., Saurer, M., Blum, H., Frossard, E., and Siegwolf, R. T. W.: A
portable automated system for trace gas sampling in the field and stable
isotope analysis in the laboratory, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 18, 2106–2112, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.1596, 2004.
Vereecken, H., Amelung, W., Bauke, S. L., Bogena, H., Brüggemann, N.,
Montzka, C., Vanderborght, J., Bechtold, M., Blöschl, G., Carminati, A.,
Javaux, M., Konings, A. G., Kusche, J., Neuweiler, I., Or, D., Steele-Dunne,
S., Verhoef, A., Young, M., and Zhang, Y.: Soil hydrology in the Earth system, Nat. Rev. Earth Environ., 3, 573–587, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00324-6, 2022.
Volkmann, T. H. M. and Weiler, M.: Continual in situ monitoring of pore water stable isotopes in the subsurface, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1819–1833, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1819-2014, 2014.
Volkmann, T. H. M., Haberer, K., Gessler, A., and Weiler, M.: High-resolution isotope measurements resolve rapid ecohydrological dynamics at the soil-plant interface, New Phytol., 210, 839–849, https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13868, 2016.
Wassenaar, L. I., Hendry, M. J., Chostner, V. L., and Lis, G. P.: High
resolution pore water δ2H and δ18O measurements by
H2O(liquid)–H2O(vapor) equilibration laser spectroscopy, Environ. Sci. Technol., 42, 9262–9267, https://doi.org/10.1021/es802065s, 2008.
Zhao, P., Tang, X., Zhao, P., Wang, C., and Tang, J.: Identifying the water source for subsurface flow with deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes of soil water collected from tension lysimeters and cores, J. Hydrol., 503, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2013.08.033, 2013.
Zimmermann, U., Munnich, K. O., and Roether, W.: Tracers Determine Movement of Soil Moisture and Evapotranspiration, Science, 152, 346–347,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.152.3720.346, 1966.
Short summary
We present an automated, field-ready system that collects soil water vapor for stable isotope analysis. This system can be used to determine soil water evolution through time, which is helpful for understanding crop water use, water vapor fluxes to the atmosphere, and geologic proxy development. Our system can automatically collect soil water vapor and then store it for up to 30 d, which allows researchers to collect datasets from historically understudied, remote locations.
We present an automated, field-ready system that collects soil water vapor for stable isotope...
