Articles | Volume 30, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6131-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-30-6131-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
01 Oct 2026
Research article |
| 01 Oct 2026
| 01 Oct 2026
Assessing the seasonal compartmentalization of water fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum of a high-elevation mountain grassland
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Davide Gisolo
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Stefano Brighenti
Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
Eco Research, 39100, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
Giulia Zuecco
Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Department of Chemical Sciences (DiSC), University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
Chiara Marchina
Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Davide Canone
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Tanzeel Hamza
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Stefano Ferrari
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Stefano Bechis
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
Stefano Ferraris
Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Torino and Polytechnic University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
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Short summary
This study explores how snowmelt and rainfall supply water to plants and groundwater in a high-elevation mountain grassland. Using field data and model simulations, we tracked how snowmelt and summer rain move through the soil. Snowmelt mainly supplies deep drainage, while rain mainly feeds plants. Nevertheless, during a very dry year, snowmelt contributed more than usual to plant water use. These results show how reduced snowfalls and droughts may affect the mountain water cycle.
This study explores how snowmelt and rainfall supply water to plants and groundwater in a...
