Articles | Volume 29, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-525-2025
© Author(s) 2025. 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-29-525-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Technical note
| 
24 Jan 2025
Technical note |
| 24 Jan 2025
| 24 Jan 2025
Technical note: A fast and reproducible autosampler for direct vapor equilibration isotope measurements
Jonas Pyschik
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Hydrology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Stefan Seeger
Department of Crop Sciences, Division of Soil Physics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
Hydrology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Barbara Herbstritt
Hydrology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Markus Weiler
Hydrology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-987, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-987, 2026
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Jonas Pyschik and Markus Weiler
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This study introduces a new method of detecting how water moves quickly through certain paths in soil, bypassing the usual, slower flow. By analysing natural water markers in soil samples taken at different depths, we identified unusual flow patterns. Our method is simple and non-invasive, and can be used to cover large areas. This helps us to better understand how water travels through the ground, which is important for managing water resources and protecting the environment.
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Hannes Leistert, Andreas Hänsler, Max Schmit, Andreas Steinbrich, and Markus Weiler
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 2023–2037, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-2023-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-2023-2026, 2026
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The newly developed model AccRo (Accumulation-based Runoff and Pluvial Flood Estimation Tool) is a computationally efficient method to derive key parameters for estimating pluvial flood hazards. Here, we compare results of AccRo with the data of two hydrodynamic models for different cases. We find that AccRo is able to represent the simulations of the hydrodynamic models in high quality, but with much lower computational effort, making it a valuable tool for assessing pluvial flood hazards.
Hassane Moutahir, Markus Sulzer, Ralf Kiese, Andreas Christen, Markus Weiler, Lea Dedden, Julian Brzozon, Pia Labenski, Prajwal Khanal, Ladislav Šigut, and Rüdiger Grote
Biogeosciences, 23, 1719–1738, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-1719-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-1719-2026, 2026
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Eddy covariance (EC) data are vital for studying carbon and water fluxes but often mask species-specific responses in mixed forests. At a Black Forest site with beech and Douglas fir, we combined EC data with ecosystem modeling to separate species contributions. Results show EC fluxes reflect species abundance within flux footprints, though responses vary seasonally. Accounting for these differences is key for gap-filling, accurate budgets, and understanding mixed forests’ climate resilience.
Sebastian Gnann, Bailey J. Anderson, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 779–795, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-779-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-779-2026, 2026
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The extent to which streamflow varies in response to variability in precipitation and potential evaporation is essential for understanding climate change impacts on water resources. This so-called streamflow sensitivity is often estimated directly from observational data, but the robustness of these estimates remains unclear. Through systematic examination of existing approaches, we highlight uncertainties inherent in all approaches and discuss their origins.
Jonas Pyschik and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 485–501, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-485-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-485-2026, 2026
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This study introduces a new method of detecting how water moves quickly through certain paths in soil, bypassing the usual, slower flow. By analysing natural water markers in soil samples taken at different depths, we identified unusual flow patterns. Our method is simple and non-invasive, and can be used to cover large areas. This helps us to better understand how water travels through the ground, which is important for managing water resources and protecting the environment.
Heinke Paulsen and Markus Weiler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-284, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-284, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (HESS).
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Using 12 Forest floor (FF) lysimeters at three beech‑dominated sites, we recorded 1,570 rain events and measured throughfall, drainage, and evaporation. Initial retention depended on pre‑event moisture, not litter thickness. Low‑intensity, long‑duration rains filled the FF more efficiently than brief, intense storms. Evaporation was low and consistent across sites, showing the FF protects the soil. Spatial data revealed frequent water redistribution, creating heterogeneous flow paths.
Emanuel Thoenes, Theresa Blume, Markus Weiler, Bernhard Kohl, Luisa Hopp, and Stefan Achleitner
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5110, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5110, 2025
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Subsurface stormflow (SSF) is a key runoff mechanism in upland environments. The analysis of SSF at two trenched hillslopes showed that SSF volume was controlled by total rainfall and initial wetness, with threshold behaviour observed at one site. Peakflow depended on rainfall amount, with initial wetness and rainfall intensity being important for small and large events, respectively. The rate at which SSF increased was linked to rainfall intensity and amount.
Jasmin Tesch, Kathrin Kühnhammer, Delon Wagner, Andreas Christen, Carsten Dormann, Julian Frey, Rüdiger Grote, Teja Kattenborn, Markus Sulzer, Ulrike Wallrabe, Markus Weiler, Christiane Werner, Samaneh Baghbani, Julian Brzozon, Laura Maria Comella, Lea Dedden, Stefanie Dumberger, Yasmina Frey, Matthias Gassilloud, Timo Gerach, Anna Göritz, Simon Haberstroh, Johannes Klüppel, Luis Kremer, Jürgen Kreuzwieser, Hojin Lee, Joachim Maack, Julian Müller, Oswald Prucker, Sanam Kumari Rajak, Jürgen Rühe, Stefan J. Rupitsch, Helmer Schack-Kirchner, Christian Scharinger, Uttunga Shinde, Till Steinmann, Clara Stock, and Josef Strack
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This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (GI).
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In the ECOSENSE forest, we developed a robust infrastructure for distributed forest sensing. Reliable power supply, stable network connection, and smart data collection systems enable the operation of hundreds of sensors under challenging conditions. By detailing the infrastructure design and implementation, we provide a transferable blueprint for building complex monitoring sites that support high-resolution, long-term ecosystem observations.
Thomas Fichtner, Yuly Juliana Aguilar Avila, Andreas Hartmann, Stefan Seeger, Martin Maier, and Stephan Raspe
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4025, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4025, 2025
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The study examines how spatial soil moisture variability influences SVAT model calibration and the estimation of groundwater recharge in forest ecosystems. We show that model-inherent uncertainties affect predictions more strongly than soil moisture variability itself. Our results demonstrate that reliable groundwater recharge can be achieved using data from just six to seven profiles, providing practical guidance for more efficient field monitoring and model calibration.
Theresa Blume, Peter Chifflard, Stefan Achleitner, Andreas Hartmann, Stefan Hergarten, Luisa Hopp, Bernhard Kohl, Florian Leese, Ilja van Meerveld, Christian Reinhardt-Imjela, and Markus Weiler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4424, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4424, 2025
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Subsurface stormflow (SSF) is one of the least studied and therefore least understood runoff generation processes because detecting and quantifying SSF is extremely challenging. We present an ongoing concerted experimental effort to systematically investigate SSF across four catchments using a variety of methods covering different spatial scales. Centerpiece of this effort is the construction of 12 large trenches to capture and monitor SSF.
Lea Dedden and Markus Weiler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4285, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4285, 2025
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Throughfall in forests varies in space and time creating distinct patterns. We developed a novel throughfall monitoring approach for continuous, automated measurement that features 60 self-built and cost effective throughfall samplers. Collected data show the potential of the approach to capture throughfall variability at small distances, among and within rainfall events and between different trees species.
Heinke Paulsen and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2309–2319, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2309-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2309-2025, 2025
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This technical note describes the development of a weighing forest floor grid lysimeter. The device is needed to investigate the dynamics of the water balance components of the organic layer in forests, quantifying precipitation, drainage, evaporation, and storage. We designed a setup that can be easily rebuilt and that is cost-effective, which allows for customized applications. Performance metrics from laboratory results and initial field data are presented.
Markus Weiler, Julia Krumm, Ingo Haag, Hannes Leistert, Max Schmit, Andreas Steinbrich, and Andreas Hänsler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1519, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1519, 2025
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Pluvial (flash) floods, caused by intense local rainfall, result in surface runoff and overland flow, making them different from fluvial floods. A new Pluvial Flood Index (PFI) combines precipitation, hydrological, and hydrodynamic processes to assess surface flooding hazards. The PFI, based on flood hazard areas, helps forecast flash floods and supports real-time warning systems, aiding municipal decision-making, preparedness, and planning.
Robin Schwemmle, Hannes Leistert, Andreas Steinbrich, and Markus Weiler
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 5249–5262, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-5249-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-5249-2024, 2024
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The new process-based hydrological toolbox model, RoGeR (https://roger.readthedocs.io/), can be used to estimate the components of the hydrological cycle and the related travel times of pollutants through parts of the hydrological cycle. These estimations may contribute to effective water resources management. This paper presents the toolbox concept and provides a simple example of providing estimations to water resources management.
Barbara Herbstritt, Benjamin Gralher, Stefan Seeger, Michael Rinderer, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3701–3718, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3701-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3701-2023, 2023
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We present a method to collect water vapor samples into bags in the field without an in-field analyser, followed by isotope analysis in the lab. This new method resolves even fine-scaled natural isotope variations. It combines low-cost and lightweight components for maximum spatial and temporal flexibility regarding environmental setups. Hence, it allows for sampling even in terrains that are rather difficult to access, enabling future extended isotope datasets in soil sciences and ecohydrology.
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
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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.
Andreas Hänsler and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 5069–5084, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5069-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5069-2022, 2022
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Spatially explicit quantification of design storms is essential for flood risk assessment and planning. However, available datasets are mainly based on spatially interpolated station-based design storms. Since the spatial interpolation of the data inherits a large potential for uncertainty, we develop an approach to be able to derive spatially explicit design storms on the basis of weather radar data. We find that our approach leads to an improved spatial representation of design storms.
Anne Hartmann, Markus Weiler, Konrad Greinwald, and Theresa Blume
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4953–4974, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4953-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4953-2022, 2022
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Analyzing the impact of soil age and rainfall intensity on vertical subsurface flow paths in calcareous soils, with a special focus on preferential flow occurrence, shows how water flow paths are linked to the organization of evolving landscapes. The observed increase in preferential flow occurrence with increasing moraine age provides important but rare data for a proper representation of hydrological processes within the feedback cycle of the hydro-pedo-geomorphological system.
Annette Sophie Bösmeier, Iso Himmelsbach, and Stefan Seeger
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2963–2979, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2963-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2963-2022, 2022
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Encouraging a systematic use of flood marks for more comprehensive flood risk management, we collected a large number of marks along the Kinzig, southwestern Germany, and tested them for plausibility and temporal continuance. Despite uncertainty, the marks appeared to be an overall consistent and practical source that may also increase flood risk awareness. A wide agreement between the current flood hazard maps and the collected flood marks moreover indicated a robust local hazard assessment.
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
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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.
Nils Hinrich Kaplan, Theresa Blume, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2671–2696, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2671-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2671-2022, 2022
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This study is analyses how characteristics of precipitation events and soil moisture and temperature dynamics during these events can be used to model the associated streamflow responses in intermittent streams. The models are used to identify differences between the dominant controls of streamflow intermittency in three distinct geologies of the Attert catchment, Luxembourg. Overall, soil moisture was found to be the most important control of intermittent streamflow in all geologies.
Benjamin Gralher, Barbara Herbstritt, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5219–5235, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5219-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5219-2021, 2021
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We scrutinized the quickest currently available method for stable isotope analysis of matrix-bound water. Simulating common procedures, we demonstrated the limits of certain materials currently used and identified a reliable and cost-efficient alternative. Further, we calculated the optimum proportions of important protocol aspects critical for precise and accurate analyses. Our unifying protocol suggestions increase data quality and comparability as well as the method's general applicability.
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
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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.
Jan Greiwe, Markus Weiler, and Jens Lange
Biogeosciences, 18, 4705–4715, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4705-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4705-2021, 2021
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We analyzed variability in diel nitrate patterns at three locations in a lowland stream. Comparison of time lags between monitoring sites with water travel time indicated that diel patterns were created by in-stream processes rather than transported downstream from an upstream point of origin. Most of the patterns (70 %) could be explained by assimilatory nitrate uptake. The remaining patterns suggest seasonally varying dominance and synchronicity of different biochemical processes.
Stefan Seeger and Markus Weiler
Biogeosciences, 18, 4603–4627, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4603-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4603-2021, 2021
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We developed a setup for fully automated in situ measurements of stable water isotopes in soil and the stems of fully grown trees. We used this setup in a 12-week field campaign to monitor the propagation of a labelling pulse from the soil up to a stem height of 8 m.
We could observe trees shifting their main water uptake depths multiple times, depending on water availability.
The gained knowledge about the temporal dynamics can help to improve water uptake models and future study designs.
Andreas Hänsler and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-366, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-366, 2021
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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Spatially explicit quantification on design storms are essential for flood risk assessment. However this information can be only achieved from substantially long records of rainfall measurements, usually only available for a few stations. Hence, design storms estimates from these few stations are then spatially interpolated leading to a major source of uncertainty. Therefore we defined a methodology to extend spatially explicit weather radar data to be used for the estimation of design storms.
Anne Hartmann, Markus Weiler, Konrad Greinwald, and Theresa Blume
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-242, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-242, 2021
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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Our field observation-based examination of flow path evolution, soil formation and vegetation succession across ten millennia on calcareous parent material shows how water flow paths and subsurface water storage are linked to the organization of evolving landscapes. We provide important but rare data and observations for a proper handling of hydrologic processes and their role within the feedback cycle of the hydro-pedo-geomorphological system.
Axel Schaffitel, Tobias Schuetz, and Markus Weiler
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 2127–2142, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-2127-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-2127-2021, 2021
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This paper presents FluSM, an algorithm to derive the water balance from soil moisture and metrological measurements. This data-driven water balance framework uses soil moisture as an input and therefore is applicable for cases with unclear processes and lacking parameters. In a case study, we apply FluSM to derive the water balance of 15 different permeable pavements under field conditions. These findings are of special interest for urban hydrology.
Robin Schwemmle, Dominic Demand, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2187–2198, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2187-2021, 2021
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A better understanding of the reasons why model performance is unsatisfying represents a crucial part for meaningful model evaluation. We propose the novel diagnostic efficiency (DE) measure and diagnostic polar plots. The proposed evaluation approach provides a diagnostic tool for model developers and model users and facilitates interpretation of model performance.
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Short summary
We developed a device (named VapAuSa) that automates stable water isotope analysis. Stable water isotopes are a natural tracer that many researchers use to investigate water (re-)distribution processes in environmental systems. VapAuSa helps to analyse such environmental samples by automating a formerly tedious manual process, allowing for higher sample throughput. This enables larger sampling campaigns, as more samples can be processed before reaching their limited storage time.
We developed a device (named VapAuSa) that automates stable water isotope analysis. Stable water...
