contentshydrologie.org/redbooks/a336/p336 description, content… · web view– the need for a...

ix

Status and Perspectives of Hydrology in Small Basins Edited by Andreas Herrmann & Sybille Schumann Co-edited by Ladislav Holko, Ian Littlewood, Laurent Pfister, Piet Warmerdam &

Ulrich Schröder

IAHS Publ. 336 (2010) ISBN 978-1-907161-08-7, 316 + xii pp. Price £65.00

Abstracts of the papers in this volume can be

seen at: www.iahs.info

Only in well-defined small basins with high-quality measurements can the complexities of combined physical, chemical and biological processes be adequately investigated. Small hydrological research basins provide interdisciplinary observatories, thus contributing to the study of the impact of environmental changes and to developing strategies for water and land-use management under such change.

This volume, the Proceedings of the Workshop held at Goslar-Hahnenklee, Germany, in spring 2009 focuses on: Presently operational small research basins Fundamental hydrological research results drawn from small basins Hydrological processes Importance of small basin data and results for hydrological modellingand includes the Braunschweig Declaration on: The need for a global network of long-term small hydrological research basins.

http://www.iahs.info/

Contents

Preface by Andreas Herrmann & Sybille Schumann v

PLENARY SESSIONS

1 Presently Operated Small Hydrological Research Basins; 60 Years of Hydrological Measurements in the Bramke Research Basin

History and present status of small hydrological research basins An-dreas Herrmann & Sybille Schumann

3

60 years of the Bramke research basins: history, major hydrological results and perspectives Sybille Schumann & Andreas Herrmann

11

The land-use history of the Lange Bramke catchments, Harz Mountains Michael Hauhs & Holger Lange

19

Reconstruction of the land-use history of the Lange Bramke catchment from 1530–1947 Michael Hauhs & Holger Lange

24

A spatio-temporal modelling approach for assessment of management effects in forest catchments Bernd Ahrends, Henning Meesenburg, Claus Döring & Martin Jansen

32

Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). I. 20 years of investigation of hydrological dynamics Jérôme Latron, Pilar Llorens, Montserrat Soler, Rafael Poyatos, Carles Rubio, Aleksandra Muzylo, Nuria Martínez-Carreras, Juliana Delgado, David Regüés, Gusman Catari, Guillaume Nord & Francesc Gallart

38

2 Fundamental Hydrological Results Drawn from Studies in Small Basins

Fundamental hydrological research results drawn from studies in small catchments Piet Warmerdam & Han Stricker

47

Long-term water balance in the pre-alpine Rietholzbach catchment: First comparison of evapotranspiration estimates Irene Lehner, Adriaan J. Teuling, Joachim Gurtz &Sonia I. Seneviratne

54

Multi-annual discharge variability and trend analyses of the Bela River (Slovakia) in 1895–2006 Pavla Pekarova, Pavol Miklanek, Peter Skoda, Jan Pekar & Juraj Pacl

59

Anthropogenic changes of water balance and runoff processes in a small low-mountain catchment Gregor Ollesch, Hermann John, Ralph Meissner & Frido Reinstorf

65

Land use change impacts on the hydrology of wet Andean páramo ecosystems Patricio Crespo, Rolando Célleri, Wouter Buytaert, Jan Feyen, Vicente Iñiguez, Pablo Borja & Bert de Bievre

71

Hydrological behaviour of the granitic Strengbach catchment (Vosges massif, eastern France) during a flood event Daniel Viville, Gilles Drogue, Anne Probst, Bernard Ladouche, Samir Idir, Jean-Luc Probst & Thierry Bariac

77

Hydrological processes in mountains – knowledge gained in the Jalovecky Creek catchment, Slovakia Ladislav Holko & Zdenek Kostka

84

Tracing runoff generation processes through different spatial scales in low and high mountain ranges Peter Chifflard, Robert Kirnbauer, Harald Zepp, Nils Tilch, Jens Didszun, Birgit Zillgens, Andreas Schumann & Stefan Uhlenbrook

90

Dynamics of soil moisture, subsurface flow and runoff in a small alpine basin Daniele Penna, Marco Borga, Marco Sangati & Alberto Gobbi

96

Trend assessment of deposition, throughfall and runoff water chemistry at the ICP-IM station Kosetice, Czech Republic Jaroslava Cervenkova & Milan Vana

103

Evolution of urbanization in a small urban basin: DTM construction for hydrologic computation Jorge M. G. P. Isidoro, José I. J. Rodrigues, Jorge M. R. Martins &João L. M. P. de Lima

109

Ecohydrological research in the German lowland catchment Kielstau Britta Schmalz & Nicola Fohrer

115

Absorption of solar radiation and moist and dry convection in the Šu-mava Mountains Miroslav Tesař, Miloslav Šír & Ľubomír Lichner

121

Streamflow response during rainfall events in a small forested catchment (Basque Country) Ane Zabaleta, Jesus Angel Uriarte & Iñaki Antigüedad

125

3 Hydrological Processes Knowledge Drawn from Studies in Small Basins

Modelling of flow processes using the isotope tracer 18O at two scales Martin Šanda, Jaromír Dušek, Tomáš Vogel, Michal Dohnal, David Zumr & Milena Císlerová

133

Time resolution and hydrological characteristics in agricultural catchments Johannes Deelstra, Hans Olav Eggestad, Arvo Iital, Viesturs Jansons & Line J. Barkved

138

Factors controlling groundwater dynamics in a small protected basin Maciej Lenartowicz

144

Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). II. Rainfall–runoff relationships and runoff processes Jérôme Latron, Montserrat Soler, Pilar Llorens, Guillaume Nord & Francesc Gallart

151

Bed load transport in an Alpine river after a high magnitude flood: results from the 2008 field campaign David Morche & Alexander Bryk

157

4 Importance of Hydrological Data and Results from Small Basins for Hydrological Modelling

Experience in modelling runoff formation processes at different scales using data of water-balance stations Olga M. Semenova

167

Seasonal dynamics of streamflow and sediment transport in three research basins with different land cover Noemí Lana-Renault, Estela Nadal-Romero, Pilar Serrano-Muela, Jérôme Latron, David Regüés, José M. García-Ruiz & Carlos Martí-Bono

173

A continuous rainfall–runoff model derived from investigations in a small experimental basin Luca Brocca, Silvia Barbetta, Florisa Melone & Tommaso Moramarco

179

Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). III. Vegetation and water fluxes Pilar Llorens, Rafael Poyatos, Aleksandra Muzylo, Carles Rubio, Jérôme Latron, Juliana Delgado & Francesc Gallart

186

Simulation sediment hydrograph at Fayda and Al-Baqaq wadis in North Iraq using a watershed modelling system Thair Mahmood Al-Taiee & Anas Muhammad Mahmood

192

WORKING GROUP SESSIONS

5 Research on hydrological processes: which achievements are expected from research in small basins in the coming decades?

How can we create generalisable hypotheses from small basin stud-ies? Laurent Pfister, Fabrizio Fenicia & Stefan Uhlenbrook

201

Understanding the hydrology of tropical Andean ecosystems through an Andean Network of Basins Rolando Célleri, Wouter Buytaert, Bert De Bièvre, Conrado Tobón, Patricio Crespo, Jorge Molina & Jan Feyen

209

Ten years of hydrological monitoring in upland microcatchments in the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic Jirka Pavlásek, Miroslav Tesař, Petr Máca, Radka Hanková, Kateřina Hudečková, Lukáš Jačka, Zbyněk Klose & Jana Ředinová

213

Development of studies in small research basins in Russia and the most recent tasks Sergey A. Zhuravin & Mikhail L. Markov

219

6 What contribution to the monitoring and understanding of changes in physical processes, water fluxes, water balances and global warming effects is expected from hydrological small basins research?

Changes in the hydrographic network of a small catchment based on the example of River Płutnica (northern Poland) Roman Cieśliński

227

Water quality of artificially drained small basins – global climate change perspectives Bernd Lennartz, Bärbel Tiemeyer, Petra Kahle & Alexander Bachor

233

Retrospective and prospective evaluation of water budgets at Lange Bramke, Harz Mountains, Germany: effects of plant cover and climate change Henning Meesenburg, Johannes Sutmöller & Swen Hentschel

239

Impact of climate change and human interference on the hydrology of small basins in Kerala, India Shadananan Nair

245

Time series modelling in the Schaefertal catchment in the Lower Harz Mountains, central Germany Frido Reinstorf, Jürgen Tiedge, Judith Bauspiess, Hermann John & Gregor Ollesch

249

7 What may be the scientific contribution to the PUB initiative and what is expected vice versa?

Catchment-scale rainfall–streamflow modelling: utility versus process understanding Ian G. Littlewood

257

Improving perceptual and conceptual hydrological models using data from small basins Hilary McMillan, Martyn Clark, Ross Woods, Maurice Duncan, M. S. Srinivasan, Andrew Western & Dave Goodrich

264

Heading for knowledge in a data scarce river basin: Kharaa, Mongolia Tobias Törnros & Lucas Menzel

270

8 Do we need research results from small basins for the further development of mathematical hydrological models?

Do we need research results from small basins for the further develop-ment of hydrological models? Keith Beven

279

Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). IV. Implementing and testing hy-drological models Francesc Gallart, Jérôme Latron, Pilar Llorens & J. García-Pintado

286

Robust estimation of hydrological parameters in the context of flood forecasting in small catchments Thomas Krausse & Johannes Cull-mann

292

Calibration and uncertainty estimation of a distributed model in a small drainage basin in southeast Sweden Osvaldo Salazar, Abraham Joel & Ingrid Wesström

299

Braunschweig Declaration – The need for a global network of long-term small hydrological research basins

305

Author index 309

Key word index 311

Status and Perspectives of Hydrology in Small Basins (Proceedings of the Workshop held at Goslar-Hahnenklee, Germany, 30 March–2 April 2009). IAHS Publ. 336, 2010, 3-10.

History and present status of small hydrological research basins

ANDREAS HERRMANN & SYBILLE SCHUMANNInstitute of Geoecology, Department of Hydrology and Landscape Ecology, Technical University Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, [email protected]

Abstract It is shown that milestones in the development of hydrological small basin research are facilitated by the launching of the international programmes IHD, IHP, FRIEND and ERB. The history, main strategies and objectives of these programmes are displayed, and their contributions to the progress in hydrological knowledge and capacity development are outlined. High value is attributed to the documentation of existing study basins. Easily accessible inventories and the networking among basin operators and scientists are shown to be a decisive step towards the efficient use of the acquired knowledge.Key words small research basins; small basin research programmes and networks; IHD; IHP; FRIEND; ERB; small basin inventories; research concepts


60 years of the Bramke research basins: history, major hydrological results and perspectives

SYBILLE SCHUMANN & ANDREAS HERRMANNInstitute of Geoecology, Department of Hydrology and Landscape Ecology, Technical University Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, [email protected]

Abstract The history of the Lange Bramke catchment, the longest operated small hydrological research basin in Germany, is summarized on the occasion of its 60th anniversary with a focus on the research history, the main research projects run in the catchment and their protagonists. The major hydrological results obtained in the Lange Bramke catchment are briefly outlined, while focusing on presenting an overview with respective references. It is shown that the operation of long-term hydrological research catchments, resulting in long-term high-quality measurements and data series, is fundamental for scientific progress in hydrology and for the characterisation of environmental changes.Key words Lange Bramke; Upper Harz research basins (Oberharzer Versuchsgebiete); ICA (Integrated Catchment Approach); runoff formation process; tracer hydrology; environmental isotopes; groundwater; climate change; water balance studies; hydrological methodology


The land use history of the Lange Bramke catchments, Harz mountains

MICHAEL HAUHS1& HOLGER LANGE2

1 Ecological Modelling, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, [email protected] Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Høgskoleveien 8, N-1431 Ǻs, Norway

Abstract The Lange Bramke catchment has been investigated as a monitored catchment for 60 years. However, its utilization history even dates back to medieval times, and is well documented in part. The intense interplay between ore mining, forestry, and water resources exploitation left remains such as scoriae piles and modified forest growth, e.g. due to local pollution at smelter locations. It is demonstrated that considering local land use history is important for a proper understanding and interpretation of modern monitoring data. A theoretical framework is proposed for the integration of the two data sources. This requires a joint approach combining two modelling paradigms, the functional one dominating in current ecosystem research, and an interactive one which best characterizes the human–environment relationship in historic times. Key words Harz Mountains; mining; land use; forestry; human-environment relationship; interactive models


Reconstruction of the land use history of the Lange Bramke catchment from 1530–1947

MICHAEL HAUHS1 & HOLGER LANGE2

1 Ecological Modelling, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, [email protected] Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Høgskoleveien 8, N-1431 Ǻs, Norway

Abstract The utilization history of the Lange Bramke catchment and the northern Harz mountains is dominated by ore mining. Historical documents were used to provide ample evidence that forestry and water utilization were managed according to administrative goals in a largely centralized manner. However, the perception of the landscape and its function and purpose have changed significantly over the centuries. In particular, the distinction between renewable (such as forests) and non-renewable resources (such as ore deposits) is a rather modern one, as is the principle of sustainability. This change in perception is apparent from the type of maps used, the different conflicts on property and exploitation rights, and the request for quantitative inventories of resources, appearing only quite late in the mining history. The remnants of smelters and charcoal production still demonstrate the importance of historical land use for proper interpretation of monitoring data.Key words Harz Mountains; land use history; landscape perception; mining; sustainability

mailto:[email protected]


A spatio-temporal modelling approach for assessment of management effects in forest catchments

BERND AHRENDS1, HENNING MEESENBURG2, CLAUS DÖRING1 & MARTIN JANSEN1

1 Büsgen Institute – Department of Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, D-37077 Göttingen, [email protected] Northwest German Forest Research Station, Grätzelstr. 2, D-37079 Göttingen, Germany

Abstract High atmospheric inputs of nitrogen (N) during the last decades have caused an increase in NO3

- leaching from forest soils in many European regions. In three research basins in the Upper Harz Mountains N output with stream water shows a clear increase until 1985 and a decline since then. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new spatio-temporal modelling approach (FORNIC) and to assess the effects of forest management on N turnover in three small catchments in the Upper Harz Mountains with contrasting management activities in the past. Modelled time series of N output agreed satisfyingly with observed differences in N output between the three catchments. We conclude that the simple mass balance approach in combination with spatio-temporal parameterization of input parameters is useful to describe the dynamics of N retention and N output during forest development and the effects of forest management. Key words dynamic modelling; N retention; N deposition; N saturation; nitrate leaching; risk assessment


Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). I. 20 years of investigation of hydrological dynamics

JÉRÔME LATRON1, PILAR LLORENS1, MONTSERRAT SOLER1, RAFAEL POYATOS2, CARLES RUBIO3,4, ALEKSANDRA MUZYLO1, NURIA MARTÍNEZ-CARRERAS5, JULIANA DELGADO1, DAVID REGÜÉS6, GUSMAN CATARI1, GUILLAUME NORD1 & FRANCESC GALLART1

1 Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), CSIC, Barcelona, [email protected] School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK3 Dept Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology (UPC), Castelldefels, Spain4 Lab-Ferrer, Dept Environmental biophysics and Soils, Cervera, Spain5 Centre de Recherche Public – Gabriel Lippmann, L-4422 Belvaux, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg6 Pyrenean Institute of Ecology, CSIC, Campus de Aula Dei, Apdo 202, E-50080, Zaragoza, Spain

Abstract Investigations started 20 years ago in the Vallcebre research basins with the objective of better understanding the hydrological functioning of Mediterranean mountain basins. The Vallcebre basins are located in a Mediterranean mountain area of the Pyrenean ranges (northeastern Spain). Average annual precipitation is 862 ± 206 mm and potential evapotranspiration is 823 ± 26 mm. Climate is highly seasonal, leading to periods with water deficit in summer and, on occasion, in winter. Hydrological research in the basins is related


to rainfall interception, evapotranspiration, soil moisture spatio-temporal dynamics, runoff response and runoff processes, suspended sediment dynamics and model application at both the plot and basin scales. Findings obtained over the last two decades have shown that, due to their intermediate position between drier and wetter climatic areas, the Vallcebre basins have a particular hydrological dynamic, which is specific to Mediterranean mountain areas.Key words Mediterranean mountains; hydrological dynamics; research basins; Vallcebre


Fundamental hydrological research results drawn from studies in small catchments

PIET WARMERDAM & HAN STRICKERCentre for Water and Climate, Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The [email protected]

Abstract The history of research in small experimental and representative catchments in the 20th century is briefly described, in particular with regard to water quantity experiments. The early studies up to about the 1960s dealt with impacts of forest cover on runoff volumes and peak flow rates, but did not explain why catchments responded as they did. Stimulated by the IHD of UNESCO, from the 1960s numerous small research catchments have been set up for process studies to enhance the understanding of the hydrological behaviour of catchments. Although initially only precipitation and runoff could be measured, the technological developments in the 1970s opened the road for collecting time series of actual evaporation and soil moisture estimates. Many catchments studies have been conducted on runoff generation using, e.g. isotope information of the various flow components contributing to flood events. These and many other studies in small experimental and representative catchments have contributed much to a better understanding of the hydrological processes and to improved hydrological modelling.Key words experimental and representative catchment; forest; runoff generation; evaporation; hydrological research


Long-term water balance in the pre-alpine Rietholzbach catchment: first comparison of evapotranspiration estimates

IRENE LEHNER, ADRIAAN J. TEULING, JOACHIM GURTZ & SONIA I. SENEVIRATNE Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, CH-8092 Zurich, [email protected]

Abstract The small, pre-alpine Swiss Rietholzbach catchment has been monitored since 1975. The catchment is characterized by a temperate, humid climate with a mean annual temperature of 7.1°C and 1459 mm precipitation. Mean annual discharge is 1016 mm. Independent evapotranspiration estimates vary between 450 mm and 560 mm. Key words Rietholzbach catchment; water balance; evapotranspiration; lysimeter



Multi-annual discharge variability and trend analyses of the Bela River (Slovakia) in 1895–2006

PAVLA PEKAROVA1, PAVOL MIKLANEK1, PETER SKODA2, JAN PEKAR3 & JURAJ PACL1

1 Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Racianska 75, 831 02 Bratislava 3, [email protected] Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, Jeseniova 17, 833 15 Bratislava, Slovakia3 Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract While analysing the impact of climate variability and climate change on the hydrological regime, it is necessary to evaluate changes in the basins’ hydrological characteristics that are not influenced by anthropogenic activity – in the pristine basins. The analysed time series must be as long as possible and homogeneous. Such a time series is that of the Bela River at Podbanske (catchment area 93.5 km2), observed since 1928. In the study, the annual discharge series was extended backwards to 1895. Homogeneity, long-term trends as well as multi-annual cycles of the wet and dry periods were analysed for the entire time series (1895–2006). The most significant period is that of 3.6 years. Other significant periods are those of 29 years, 22 years, 13 years, 10.8 years, 5.3 years, 4.2 years, and 2.4 years. The cycle of about 3.6 years probably depends on the Southern Oscillation (SO) represented by the SO index. The 22, 10.8 and 5.3 years cycles are connected to solar activity. The cycle length of approx. 28–31 years is related to the Arctic oscillation (AO), expressed by the AO index. Finally, the cycle of about 13 years is connected to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), represented by the NAO index. Key words time series analysis; discharge; pristine basin; Bela basin, Slovakia


Anthropogenic changes of water balance and runoff processes in a small low-mountain catchment

GREGOR OLLESCH1, JOHN HERMANN2, RALPH MEISSNER1 & FRIDO REINSTORF2

1 UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Dept. of Soil Physics, Brueckstr. 3A, D-39114 [email protected] University of Applied Science Magdeburg Stendal (FH), Germany

Abstract The intervention and degradation of the environment has accelerated in modern times through technical capabilities. The objective of the presented study is the evaluation of different stresses on the hydrological processes and water balance of a small research catchment in a German low-mountain environment since the beginning of hydrological records in 1968. The research catchment “Schaefertal” is located in the Harz Mountains, NE-Germany, approximately 150 km southwest of Berlin. The outlet of the 1.44 km2 catchment is at 392 m a.s.l. The orthic luvisols and cambisols, which have developed on the loess sediments on slopes, underlie agricultural use, whereas the eutric gleysols and fluvisols at the valley bottom are used as pastures and meadows. A hydro-meteorological station is the backbone of the research station which started recording during the International Hydrological Decade in the late 1960s. Detailed analyses of the hydrograph and groundwater measurements allow the separation of three periods with distinct differences in water balance and runoff generating processes. Until 1973, hydrology is characterised by a well-balanced water flow. The base flow contribution guaranteed a minimum of water flow in summer time. The following periods were characterised by plot realignment, draining of a pasture area, and the opening of a mine causing a decrease of the regional groundwater level. This entailed a hydrological situation with long dry periods and episodic flash floods. In the course of the safekeeping of the mine, the groundwater level has been rising again since 1993.

Key words Schaefertal catchment, Germany; water balance; runoff processes; groundwater; mining; agriculture


Land use change impacts on the hydrology of wet Andean páramo ecosystems

PATRICIO CRESPO1,2,3, ROLANDO CÉLLERI 1,3, WOUTER BUYTAERT4, JAN FEYEN3, VICENTE IÑIGUEZ1, PABLO BORJA1,3 & BERT DE BIEVRE5 1 Programa para el Manejo del Agua y del Suelo, PROMAS, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, [email protected] Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Giessen, Germany3 Centro para el Análisis de Sistemas Naturales, Dirección de Investigación de la Univerisdad de Cuenca (DIUC), Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador4 School of Geographical Science, University of Bristol, UK5 International Potato Center – CONDESAN, Ecuador

Abstract This paper presents the research performed in the wet Andean páramo ecosystem in order to study the land use change impacts on its hydrology, using small paired catchments. The research results revealed that pine plantations produce a decrease of annual water yield as a consequence of increased evapotranspiration. On the other hand, livestock grazing does not seem to affect the hydrological response, primarily due to the low animal density. The main impact of cultivation is the reduction in the regulating function of the catchment, with a large increase in the magnitude of peak flows and a reduction of base flows. Furthermore, research results revealed that vertical infiltration through the soil is dominant under wet conditions, whereas preferential flow within the organic horizon to the underlying mineral horizon is dominant during low intensity rains. Saturated excess surface flow is observed only during long rain events; otherwise near surface lateral flow in the organic layer occurs. There is no evidence of Hortonian flow. Key words páramo; land use changes; mountain hydrology; Andes; Ecuador


Hydrological behaviour of the granitic Strengbach catchment (Vosges massif, eastern France) during a flood event

DANIEL VIVILLE1, GILLES DROGUE2, ANNE PROBST3, BERNARD LADOUCHE4, SAMIR IDIR1, JEAN-LUC PROBST3 & THIERRY BARIAC5

1 LHyGeS, U. Strasbourg/EOST, CNRS, 1 rue Blessig, F-67084 Strasbourg cedex, [email protected] CEGUM, UFR SHA, (U. Paul Verlaine), Ile du Saulcy, F-57045 Metz cedex, France3 U. Toulouse; INPT, UPS; EcoLab; ENSAT, av. de l’Agrobiopôle, BP 107, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan cedex, France CNRS; EcoLab; ENSAT, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan cedex, France4 BRGM, Service Eau-Recherche Milieux Discontinus, 1039 rue de Pinville, F-34000 Montpellier, France 5 BIOEMCO (UMR 7618-CNRS/ParisVI/INRA/AgroParisTech/PXII/ENS/IRD), F-78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France

Abstract A field campaign combining monitoring devices and determination of isotopes and chemical elements has been performed during a summer thunderstorm in the small granitic Strengbach catchment (Vosges, France). The collected ground data were used in a hydrological modelling exercise, including two conceptual rainfall–runoff models (GR4, TOPMODEL). The predominant role in flood generation



of pre-event water coming from the superficial layers of the water saturated area is shown and a conceptual scheme is proposed derived from the field observations. The two tested modelling structures and assumptions are not able to fully take into account the complexity of the physical processes involved in flood generation. Key words streamflow generation processes; 18O; silica; hydrological modelling; hydrograph separation


Hydrological processes in mountains – knowledge gained in the Jalovecky Creek catchment, Slovakia

LADISLAV HOLKO & ZDENEK KOSTKAInstitute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ondrasovska 16, 031 05 Liptovsky Mikulas, [email protected]

Abstract The paper presents an overview of 20 years of hydrological research in the Jalovecky Creek catchment in northern Slovakia. The objective of the research is to improve the knowledge of the hydrological cycle in the mountains. The paper presents selected results on the spatial distribution of precipitation, interception by the spruce forest, accumulation and melting of snow cover, hydrograph components, soil moisture and rainfall–runoff relationships. Key words hydrological cycle; small catchments; mountains; interception; snow cover; hydrograph separation; Jalovecky Creek catchment, Slovakia


Tracing runoff generation processes through different spatial scales in low and high mountain ranges

PETER CHIFFLARD1, ROBERT KIRNBAUER1, HARALD ZEPP2, NILS TILCH3, JENS DIDSZUN4, BIRGIT ZILLGENS5, ANDREAS SCHUMANN6 & STEFAN UHLENBROOK7

1 Institute of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, University of Technology Vienna, Karlsplatz 13/222,

A-1040 Vienna, Austria [email protected] Institute of Applied Physical Geography, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany3 Geological Survey of Austria, Neulinggasse 38, A-1030 Vienna, Austria4 SELEX Sistemi Integrati GmbH, PO Box 21 03 51, D-41429 Neuss, Germany5 DuPont, Du Pont-Str. 1. D-61352 Bad Homburg, Germany6 Institute of Hydrology, Water Resources Management and Environmental Engineering, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany7 UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water Education, PO Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract For a better understanding of spatio-temporal patterns of runoff generation, detailed process studies in three small catchments in low and high mountain ranges (Germany and Austria) have been carried out at different scales, using irrigation experiments, hydrometric, tracer hydrological, geoseismic and geoelectric methods. In the high mountain ranges, the spatial scales cover areas of 0.07 km2 (gauge Limbergalm), 16 km2 (gauge Rammern) and 150 km2 (gauge Viehhofen). In the low mountain ranges, point scale measurements were linked with runoff data, measured at the catchment outlet (Obere Brachtpe, 2.5 km2, and Bohläse, 0.7 km2). The results provide the basis for a hydrological spatial

delineation and process-orientated runoff modelling. Key words runoff generation; scale issues; subsurface flow; Germany, Austria


Dynamics of soil moisture, subsurface flow and runoff in a small alpine basin

DANIELE PENNA, MARCO BORGA, MARCO SANGATI & ALBERTO GOBBIDepartment of Land and Agroforest Environments, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, Agripolis, I-35020 Legnaro (PD), [email protected]

Abstract This work focuses on the dynamics of the rainfall–runoff processes in a small alpine catchment (3.3 ha), localized in the central–eastern Italian Alps, where topographic relief and shallow subsurface moisture control the storage and timing of runoff on the landscape. We examined the temporal variations of soil water content, groundwater and streamflow response to rainfall input for a number of flood events; for each flood, the time lag between storm centroid and peak of soil moisture, streamflow and water table level is reported. Data reveal a systematic temporal organisation of the different responses: soil moisture peaks at almost the same time as runoff while the basin-averaged groundwater peak is delayed. This behaviour leads to a constant anticlockwise hysteretic relationship between stream discharge and water table level at the rainstorm scale. Moreover, the piezometric response across the catchment tends to be more delayed with the increasing distance from the stream; thus, groundwater temporal variations in the riparian zone are similar to runoff dynamics, but different from the ones that are more remote from the stream. Such observed dynamics support the point that runoff response in this basin is controlled by the quick reaction of the near-stream riparian zone, which is generally close to saturation. Groundwater response on the hillslope lags behind and is controlled by the formation of transient saturation at the bedrock–soil interface. Finally, a threshold behaviour between soil moisture and streamflow suggests that the antecedent moisture conditions control the size of the saturation zone and hence the runoff rate. Key words runoff; soil moisture and water table dynamics; alpine region


Trend assessment of deposition, throughfall and runoff water chemistry at the ICP-IM station Kosetice, Czech Republic

JAROSLAVA CERVENKOVA & MILAN VANACzech Hydrometeorological Institute, Kosetice Observatory, 394 22 Kosetice, Czech [email protected]

Abstract Long-term monitoring and research activities in a small forested catchment are a part of the integrated monitoring programme of Kosetice Observatory (Czech Hydrometeorological Institute). The Observatory was established as a station specializing in problems of regional environmental quality in 1988 and is involved in several long-term international programmes (ICP-IM, EMEP, GAW, EUSAAR). The results show that reducing sulphur emissions in the Czech Republic has entailed a decrease in the background sulphur deposition. A distinct reduction of sulphur input was reflected in the sulphur balance of the catchment. In the beginning of the 1990s retention predominated, but since 2000 leaching has been found. The level of pH in precipitation water increased continuously during the period 1990–2003. The upward tendency was stopped after 2003. In the rest of the period under review the pH values varied between 4.5 and 5 and the differences between measurements in open areas and under the canopy were smaller.

Key words long-term trend; integrated monitoring; mass balance of pollutants; Czech Republic


Evolution of urbanization in a small urban basin: DTM construction for hydrologic computation

JORGE M. G. P. ISIDORO1,3, JOSÉ I. J. RODRIGUES1, JORGE M. R. MARTINS1 & JOÃO L. M. P. de LIMA2,3

1 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Algarve, Penha Campus, 8005-139 Faro, [email protected] Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC), Campus 2, University of Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal3 IMAR – Institute of Marine Research – Marine and Environmental Research Centre, Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract The expansion of the urban area (urbanization), which increases impervious areas like roads, car parks and buildings (roofs), has a major influence on urban flooding caused by high intensity rainfall events. Population and urban expansion go hand in hand and hence the risks to people and property rise. A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of an area located in the south of Portugal (Cabanas de Tavira , Tavira) was conceived and developed with the objective of implementing a computational hydrological simulation tool. This area has seen a noteworthy increase in urban occupancy. As the natural drainage system, which largely consists of two flow lines, cannot drain the flow caused by intense precipitation, flooding frequently occurs. The flow lines obtained with this DTM show small differences compared with those inferred from the available cartography, indicating that the DTM can be a suitable approximation to the real topography.Key words GIS; DTM; urbanization; hydraulic computation


Ecohydrological research in the German lowland catchment Kielstau

BRITTA SCHMALZ & NICOLA FOHRERDepartment of Hydrology and Water Resources Management, Ecology Centre, Kiel University, Olshausenstr. 75, D-24118 Kiel, [email protected]

Abstract The rural Kielstau catchment (50 km2) is located in northern Germany in a lowland area. The Kielstau has a total length of 17 km. Two larger tributaries and various open ditches and drainage pipes discharge into it. Catchment water balance and quality were measured and analysed at the main stream, at tributaries and at drained areas considering water levels, flow velocity, discharge, sediment, erosion, river morphology, water quality and biological analyses. The ecohydrological river basin model SWAT was used to assess the catchment water balance and nutrient loads. The hydraulic models ADH and HEC-RAS are used additionally for modelling the stream channel processes. A GIS-based approach is suggested to dynamically depict the influence of abiotic changes on the habitat quality. The objective of this paper is to present monitoring strategies as well as their corresponding measurement and modelling results.Key words lowland; catchment hydrology; discharge; water quality; GIS; ecohydrological modelling; sensitivity analyses; hydraulic modelling



Absorption of solar radiation and moist and dry convection in the Šumava Mountains

MIROSLAV TESAŘ1, MILOSLAV ŠÍR1 & ĽUBOMÍR LICHNER2

1 Institute of Hydrodynamics of the ASCR, Pod Paťankou 30/5, 166 12 Praha 6, Czech Republic [email protected] 2 Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Račianska 75, 831 02 Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract The absorption of the solar energy on the Earth’s surface covered by plants and the convection of the sensible and latent heat from the plants to the boundary layer of the atmosphere (dry and moist convection) were evaluated in the experimental area of Zábrod Meadow in the Šumava Mts during the growing seasons 1983–2000. It was found that the average rate of entropy production by absorption of solar radiation 652.4 mW/m2 K corresponds to the planetary value of 561 mW/m2 K. The average rate of entropy production by moist convection 22.9 mW/m2 K is very close to the planetary value of 23 mW/m2 K. On the other hand, the average rate of entropy production by dry convection of 27.1 mW/m2

K is 10 times greater than the planetary value of about 2 mW/m2 K.Key words absorption of solar radiation; evapotranspiration; entropy production; Šumava Mountains


Streamflow response during rainfall events in a small forested catchment (Basque Country)

ANE ZABALETA, JESUS ANGEL URIARTE & IÑAKI ANTIGÜEDADHydrogeology Group, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Basque Country, [email protected]

Abstract Hydrological response of a catchment depends on the combination of many different factors that determine the active processes taking place during rainfall–runoff events. The study of this kind of events provides information on the hydrological behaviour of a catchment, even if it is not enough to differentiate between processes or water origin. 234 rainfall–runoff relationships at the event scale were studied in a humid-temperate small catchment (almost 5 km2) in the Basque Country (Aixola catchment) between 2003 and 2008. The study aims to report on the complexity of hydrological response of a small forested catchment by means of studying the relationship between rainfall and discharge during the event and discharge prior to the event. A seasonality of the runoff coefficient has been observed, showing an evolution from wetter conditions in winter to drier ones in summer with transition periods during spring and the beginning of autumn. In fact, the runoff coefficient is higher for a comparable total precipitation amount, if discharge prior to the event has been larger.Key words rainfall–runoff events; runoff coefficient; antecedent conditions; forested Aixola catchment


Modelling of flow processes using the isotope tracer 18O at two scales

MARTIN ŠANDA, JAROMÍR DUŠEK, TOMÁŠ VOGEL, MICHAL DOHNAL, DAVID ZUMR & MILENA CÍSLEROVÁCzech Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Thákurova 7, 166 29 Prague, Czech Republic

[email protected]

Abstract Uhlířská (1.78 km2, Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic), is a typical catchment with the Paleozoic crystalline bedrock forming cambisols. It is situated in a humid mountainous temperate region where soils are shallow and highly permeable with preferential pathways. These properties allow for quick communication of the vadose zone and the fractured granitic bedrock underlying the whole catchment, i.e. shallow cambisols on the slopes and histosols overlying the thick saturated glacial deposits in the valley. As a result of the instant water pressure transformation throughout these structures, outflow caused by storms is regularly of a quick response and high magnitude, although surface runoff occurs very rarely. Data collection of the water regime in the soil profile, subsurface outflow, streamflow and groundwater regime is accompanied by standard climatic and hydrological monitoring. Quantitative measurements are supplemented by the additional techniques of isotopic tracing with 18O. Modelling approaches for flow in the soil profile and in the aquifer were examined to prove hypotheses about quick flow in the soil and mixing occurring at the scale of the aquifer.Key words tracing; modelling; granitic bedrock; soil profile; preferential flow; aquifer; environmental isotope


Time resolution and hydrological characteristics in agricultural catchments

JOHANNES DEELSTRA1, HANS OLAV EGGESTAD1, ARVO IITAL2, VIESTURS JANSONS3 & LINE J. BARKVED4

1 Bioforsk – Soil and Environment Division, Frederik A. Dahls vei 20, 1432 Ås, Norway [email protected] Institute of Environmental Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia3 Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Management, Latvia University of Agriculture, Jelgava, LV-3001 Latvia4 NIVA – Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway

Abstract The paper presents the results of an analysis on recorded discharges in eight catchments located in Norway, Estonia and Latvia. Different parameters were calculated with the objective to describe the so-called intensity or “flashiness” in hydrology for the respective catchments. The calculations were performed on both hourly and average daily discharge values, in many cases leading to significant differences in the results. The obtained results suggest considering the inclusion of hourly discharges for both design purposes and the interpretation of nutrient and soil loss processes, especially in agricultural catchments having large diurnal variations in discharge. In the light of expected climate changes, the hydrological characterisation based on hourly discharge values provides improved information about the diurnal variations and extremes in catchment runoff. Key words hydrological characteristics; baseflow index; flashiness index; nutrient loss; soil loss


Factors controlling groundwater dynamics in a small protected basin

MACIEJ LENARTOWICZFaculty of Geography and Regional Studies, Warsaw University, Krakowskie Przedmieście 30, 00-927 Warsaw, [email protected]

Abstract Factors controlling groundwater dynamics are investigated. The study area is a small lowland swampy basin located in the Kampinos National Park, Poland. The goal of this study is to evaluate interactions between groundwater and precipitation, land evaporation and river runoff. However, factors



such as the distance to any rivers or the vegetation type are also considered. Correlations between groundwater levels in a piezometer network and precipitation, evaporation and river runoff are estimated. Regression analysis reveals a limited correlation between groundwater dynamics and precipitation totals. The interaction between groundwater table and river runoff fluctuations seems to be of higher relevance. Over the last two years, beaver dams have been identified as an important factor controlling the groundwater regime at the microscale.Key words wetlands; protected area; research basin; groundwater dynamics; Integrated Monitoring of The Natural Environment; Poland


Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). II. Rainfall runoff relationships and runoff processes

JÉRÔME LATRON, MONTSERRAT SOLER, PILAR LLORENS, GUILLAUME NORD & FRANCESC GALLARTInstitute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), CSIC, Barcelona, [email protected]

Abstract Hydrological response and runoff generation processes have been studied in the Vallcebre research basins for almost 20 years, which has allowed building of a more complete perceptual model of the hydrological functioning of Mediterranean mountain basins. There was no simple relationship between rainfall and runoff depths, neither on a seasonal nor on a monthly scale. At the event scale, the storm flow coefficient had a clear seasonal pattern with an alternation between a wet period, when the basin was hydrologically responsive, and a dry summer period, when the basin was much less reactive to any rainfall. Examination of soil water potential and water table dynamics helped to identify three types of characteristic hydrological behaviour during the year. Hydrographs corresponding to type 1 events (dry conditions), type 2 events (wetting-up transition) and type 3 events (wet conditions) had different characteristics and were associated with different dominant runoff generation processes.Key words Mediterranean mountains; rainfall–runoff relationships; runoff generation processes; contributing areas; Vallcebre


Bed load transport in an Alpine river after a high magnitude flood: results from the 2008 field campaign

DAVID MORCHE1 & ALEXANDER BRYK2

1 Institute of Geosciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06099 Halle/Saale, [email protected] Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA

Abstract Landslide dams are common features in glacially sculpted valleys. The failure of these dams can be dramatic, producing high magnitude floods and mobilizing vast quantities of sediment. High magnitude floods are rare and ill-represented in the literature, despite the frequent occurrence of landslide dams in glacial valleys. In 2005 a landslide dam was breached during heavy rain. This event has substantially transformed the downstream channel reach of the Partnach River in the Bavarian Alps. In this study we present field data on discharge, unit bed load and grain size from the 2008 season. Compared with pre-dambreak data, preliminary results show increased bed load transport in the

Partnach post dam-break, even at times of lower discharge. The critical discharge threshold for bed load entrainment has decreased from 1.9 m3/s pre-dambreak, to 1 m3/s post-dambreak. This is a case study from the Bavarian Alps which contributes to the general characterization of sediment fluxes in highly volatile systems, specifically after high magnitude floods.Key words bed load; sediment transport; Helley-Smith sampler; discharge measurement; rating curves; Partnach River; Reintal


Experience in modelling runoff formation processes at different scales using data of water-balance stations

OLGA M. SEMENOVADepartment of Experimental Hydrology and Mathematical Modelling of Hydrological Processes, State Hydrological Institute, 23, 2-ya liniya, VO, 199053, St Petersburg, Russia [email protected]

Abstract Focusing research on analysing observational data of two well monitored Russian sites with differing geographical conditions, several scientific issues of recent hydrology are being addressed, e.g. the problem of heterogeneity of landscapes and its representation in models as well as the scale problem. The deterministic distributed hydrological model “Hydrograph” developed by the State Hydrological Institute (St Petersburg, Russia) is used to simulate hydrological processes in scales ranging from meteorological plots to large basins. Key words hydrological model “Hydrograph”; principle of universality; water-balance stations; variable states; systematization of model parameters; Kolyma and Don River basins


Seasonal dynamics of streamflow and sediment transport in three research basins with different land cover

NOEMÍ LANA-RENAULT1,2, ESTELA NADAL-ROMERO3,2, PILAR SERRANO-MUELA2, JÉRÔME LATRON4, DAVID REGÜÉS2, JOSÉ M. GARCÍA-RUIZ2 & CARLOS MARTÍ-BONO2

1 Physical Geography Research Institute, Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences , PO Box 80115, Utrecht, The [email protected] IPE, CSIC, Campus de Aula Dei, Apdo 202, ES-50.080, Zaragoza, Spain3 Dep. Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physical and Regional Geography Research Group, K.U.Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E bus 2409, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium4 Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), CSIC, Solé i Sabarís, s/n, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain

Abstract Three small basins with differing histories of land use in the central Pyrenees were studied to investigate and quantify their hydrological and sediment responses. The highly degraded Araguás basin reacted to most rainfall events, and discharge was mainly related to rainfall characteristics. The hydrological behaviour in the abandoned Arnás basin was more complex, with discharge being strongly related to water reserves and rainfall characteristics. In the forested San Salvador basin, spring was almost the only high flow period, and discharge was always related to preceding rainfall and to pre-event basin wetness. The hydrological behaviour of the three basins partially influenced their sediment responses. The sediment yield in the degraded basin was dominated by suspended sediment, and it was


two orders of magnitude greater than estimated for vegetated basins. In the abandoned basin, suspended sediment was important but solutes dominated. In the forested basin, solutes largely dominated over suspended sediment. The results illustrate how land cover influences a basin’s hydrological dynamics and sediment response. The data for the three basins will be useful for calibrating and validating hydrological and sedimentological models, and to predict streamflow and sediment transport responses under different land cover scenarios.Key words rainfallrunoff relationships; sediment response; land cover changes; experimental basin; Spanish Pyrenees


A continuous rainfall–runoff model derived from investigations in a small experimental basin

LUCA BROCCA, SILVIA BARBETTA, FLORISA MELONE & TOMMASO MORAMARCONational Research Council, Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, Via Madonna Alta 126, I-06128 Perugia, [email protected]

Abstract The structure and parameters of a rainfall–runoff model are not straightforward to identify, particularly in view of model application for flood forecasting where good predictive performance is required. This study presents the path followed for the development of a parsimonious continuous rainfall–runoff model. The path was addressed by an intense activity of monitoring soil moisture and runoff in a small experimental basin. The model was able to simulate the more significant flood events occurring in five subcatchments of the Tiber River (central Italy) and can therefore be used for flood forecasting in the study area.Key words rainfall–runoff model; soil moisture; experimental basin; antecedent wetness conditions; water balance


Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). III. Vegetation and water fluxes

PILAR LLORENS1, RAFAEL POYATOS2, ALEKSANDRA MUZYLO1, CARLES RUBIO3,4, JÉRÔME LATRON1, JULIANA DELGADO1 & FRANCESC GALLART1

1 Institute of Environmental Assessment & Water Research (IDÆA), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain [email protected] School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK3 Department of. Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, UPC, Castelldefels, Spain4 Lab-Ferrer Soils and Environmental Consulting, Cervera, Spain

Abstract The Vallcebre research basins are representative of Mediterranean mountain areas originally covered by Quercus pubescens, but deforested for agricultural use in the past. Nowadays they are mainly covered by mesophyle grasses with spontaneous afforestation by Pinus sylvestris covering 64% of the basins’ area. Various projects to study water fluxes in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere continuum have been undertaken since 1994. The main objective of these studies was to analyse the effect of


vegetation cover on basin water balance in a framework of climate and land use change. The dynamics and temporal variability of soil moisture, transpiration and rainfall interception by Pinus sylvestris and Quercus pubescens are investigated in terms of their dependence on meteorological conditions and, in the case of transpiration, on soil moisture and water table depth. The role of vegetation in basin water balance is also analysed. The results underline the importance of rainfall interception losses, accounting for about 24% of bulk rainfall for the Scots pine and between 6 and 24% for the pubescent oak. The high temporal variability of interception dependent on the meteorological conditions and on rainfall event characteristics was also stressed. The effect of forest cover was apparent when comparing neighbouring soil moisture profiles under forest and under grassland, with the former being characteristically drier mainly due to interception losses. Transpiration of the Scots pines was double that found in the nearby pubescent oak stand. Scots pine showed a strong reduction of transpiration during the dry summer periods, even in the studied area where the annual rainfall exceeds the reference evapotranspiration. Pubescent oak was less affected by soil moisture deficits. The physiological responses to water deficits of both species indicated that Scots pine was more vulnerable to xylem embolism while the pubescent oak was more resistant to extreme drought events. The results also show a link between water table depth and the ability of the Scots pine to meet the evaporative demand, suggesting that trees are able to extract water from rather deep water storage. Rainfall interception and tree transpiration processes have been modelled (Gash and Jarvis-type models, respectively) at the plot scale with two objectives: the comprehension of the two processes, and the analysis of the uncertainty associated with the modelling. Finally, understanding of vegetation-related hydrological processes was used to develop the TOPBAL model which is a TOPMODEL modification developed for an improved simulation of the response of basins with diverse vegetation types and high climatic seasonality. TOPBAL explicitly considers rainfall interception by vegetation and the two-way exchanges between the root-unsaturated store and the phreatic store. It allows simulation of semi-distributed soil moisture. The results indicate that compared to the original TOPMODEL, TOPBAL has improved the simulation of recession curves and water balance. Key words Mediterranean mountains; rainfall interception; forest transpiration; soil water content; Vallcebre


Simulation sediment hydrograph at Fayda and Al-Baqaq wadis in North Iraq using a watershed modelling system

THAIR MAHMOOD AL-TAIEE & ANAS MUHAMMAD MAHMOODResearch Center for Dams and Water Resources, Mosul University, Mosul, Iraq [email protected]

Abstract Sediment yield estimation in the watershed areas of rivers and water surface bodies is considered an important subject in the design of hydraulics and sediment models for control canals against floods, sediment estimation in reservoirs and navigation canals. Fayda and Al-Baqaq wadis were selected as a case study on the eastern bank of Mosul Dam lake to estimate the average sediment yield resulting from the erosion processes in the watershed area of these valleys during rainfall, and to predict a unit flowing sediment hydrograph in these valleys. The study included a computer-based topographical and morphological simulation using a watershed modelling system feeding this model with various hydrographical and physiological data concerning the study area. A common world approach was used to estimate the sediment yield in drainage basins. Empirical relations to estimate runoff coefficient and peak discharges in addition to sediment yield related to peak discharge are predicted. A non-dimensional sediment hydrograph is used to calculate the sediment yield for any rainstorm in the Fayda and Al-Baqaq wadis. This is a useful tool for evaluating the future influence of these sediment quantities on Mosul Dam Lake. Key words sediment hydrograph; watershed modelling system; sediment yield; MUSLE


Keynote:


How can we create generalisable hypotheses from small basin studies?

LAURENT PFISTER1, FABRIZIO FENICIA1 & STEFAN UHLENBROOK2,3

1 Centre de Recherche Public – Gabriel Lippmann, Département Environnement et Agro-Biotechnologies, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, [email protected] UNESCO-IHE, Department of Water Engineering, PO Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands3 Delft University of Technology, Water Resources Section, PO Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract The first (mainstream) theories that emerged from research studies in experimental catchments had a major shortcoming: they clearly underestimated the enormous spatial and temporal variability of processes taking place within the hydrological cycle. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding runoff-generating processes over the past decades, nonetheless there is rising concern about the tremendous difficulties experienced by hydrologists in creating generalisable hypotheses from their insights gained from small basin studies. Some open questions in experimental hydrology are briefly discussed here: how far can we go with point measurements? how can we optimize our network designs? what can we expect from the development of new instruments? what can we expect from better linkages to other disciplines?Key words experimental hydrology; regionalisation of processes; PUB; first order controls


Understanding the hydrology of tropical Andean ecosystems through an Andean network of basins

ROLANDO CÉLLERI1, WOUTER BUYTAERT1,2, BERT DE BIÈVRE3, CONRADO TOBÓN4, PATRICIO CRESPO1,5, JORGE MOLINA6 & JAN FEYEN1 1 Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Naturales, Dirección de InvestigaciónUnidad de Estudios de Montaña, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 de Abril s/n y Loja, Cuenca, [email protected] School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK3 International Potato Center – CONDESAN, Ecuador4 Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Colombia 5 Institute of Resources Management, Justus Liebig-Universität Gießen, Germany 6 Laboratorio de Hidráulica e Hidrología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Bolivia

Abstract During the last decade several initiatives aiming at conserving and protecting the water provision of Andean ecosystems have started. However, their implementation has faced a number of limitations on the technical side, mainly due to the lack of knowledge of hydrological processes and Andean-specific developed and tested hydrological models for scenario analyses. The large variability found in ecosystems, climates and geomorphological settings makes hydrological research a complex task and therefore finding answers to these societal problems may take too long, unless a well-coordinated collaboration between research centres, NGOs and local governments takes place. This manuscript outlines the goals of a regional initiative on participatory-based networking of data monitoring; describes how researchers can help local and regional stakeholders and vice versa with data collection, processing, storage and dissemination; highlights the benefits of the collaboration for the scientific community and policy makers; and proposes measures to make the collaboration effective and sustainable. Key words mountain hydrology; Andean ecosystems; páramo; montane and cloud forests; participatory environmental monitoring; Andes




Ten years of hydrological monitoring in upland microcatchments in the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic

JIRKA PAVLÁSEK1, MIROSLAV TESAŘ2, PETR MÁCA1, RADKA HANKOVÁ1, KATEŘINA HUDEČKOVÁ1, LUKÁŠ JAČKA1, ZBYNĚK KLOSE1 & JANA ŘEDINOVÁ1

1 Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 1176, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech [email protected] The Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Pod Patankou 30/5, 166 12 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Abstract Three experimental catchments were established in 1998 in the Bohemian Forest National Park to monitor the effects of different forest management practices after the bark beetle calamity. The catchments differ in terms of the type of forest (dead and naturally regenerating forest, harvested and artificially replanted forest, original healthy forest). The paper presents the results of more than 10 years of hydrological monitoring in the catchments. The changes to the forest caused by the bark beetle calamity were most clearly reflected in the change of the thermal regime. The water conductivity data also indicate possible changes in runoff formation, as the event water fraction became more important in areas featuring forest clearings.Key words forest hydrology; deforestation; effects of forest cover changes


Development of studies in small research basins in Russia and the most recent tasks

SERGEY A. ZHURAVIN & MIKHAIL L. MARKOVState Hydrological Institute, 23, Second Line, 199053, St Petersburg, [email protected]

Abstract Long-term systematic observations of water balance components in small research basins allow the assessment of moisture distribution in the hydrological cycle related to climate variations. Furthermore, they enable the creation of hydrological models and the determination of the most vulnerable parts of the water cycle to undertake efforts to address these problems (Hewlett et al., 1969; Edwards & Rodda, 1972). Among many complex hydrological problems, two most pressing cross-cutting tasks exist in Russia: monitoring changes in the water turnover as related to the long-term climate variations, and the study of surface and groundwater interaction. As a consequence of annual air temperature and precipitation increase, a decrease in spring peak floods and a substantial increase of low flows, changes in evapotranspiration as well as an increase in soil moisture content and groundwater tables are observed. More favourable conditions for groundwater recharge count among the main reasons for changes in the turnover of water. Any respective key processes of surface and groundwater interactions are still mostly not studied. There are above all many uncertainties with respect to the filtration processes in both unsaturated and saturated zones and in groundwater behaviour in the recharge and exfiltration (discharge) zones. Key words monitoring; water balance; surface and groundwater interaction; global warming impacts


Changes in the hydrographic network of a small catchment based on the example of River Płutnica (northern Poland)

ROMAN CIEŚLIŃSKIDepartment of Hydrology, University of Gdansk, Dmowskiego 16a, 80–952 Gdańsk, [email protected]

Abstract The aim of the paper is to show the man-made changes to the hydrographic network in a chosen small-scale catchment. The research was conducted in the Płutnica River catchment, which is situated in northern Poland on the Puck Bay. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be established that the catchment is under a strong influence of both natural conditions and anthropogenic activity. Over the last 200 years, considerable changes resulting mainly from human activity have been documented.Key words hydrographic network; historical map; natural and anthropogenic conditions and changes


Water quality of artificially drained small basins – global climate change perspectives

BERND LENNARTZ1, BÄRBEL TIEMEYER2, PETRA KAHLE1 & ALEXANDER BACHOR3

1 University Rostock, Institute for Land Use, D-18051 Rostock, [email protected] Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Agricultural Climate Research, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany3 State Office for Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology (LUNG), D-18273 Güstrow, Germany

Abstract The surface water quality of artificially drained lowland catchments is mainly driven by the tile drainage network. The fast response of the discharge to rainfall results from the direct linkage of the drain pipes to the surface water bodies and may further be accelerated by preferential flow. In an experimental catchment, a close correlation between discharge and nitrate concentrations leads to disproportionally high nitrate losses at peak flow rates. As this pattern could, overall, be confirmed for 75% of the watershed area of the federal state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern discharging into the Baltic Sea, it is assumed to be the general nitrate loss type of lowland river basins. Future climate scenarios envision dryer summers and wetter winters for the southern Baltic Sea region. Resulting higher winter discharges could cause higher nitrogen losses to coastal waters, thus counteracting recently ratified treaties on reducing the diffuse pollution of the Baltic Sea. With a focus on tile-drained areas, water management techniques need to be implemented in addition to reduced fertiliser budgets. Key words global climate change; Baltic Sea; nutrient losses; eutrophication


Retrospective and prospective evaluation of water budgets at Lange Bramke, Harz Mountains, Germany: effects of plant cover and climate change

HENNING MEESENBURG, JOHANNES SUTMÖLLER & SWEN HENTSCHELNorthwest German Forest Research Station, Grätzelstr. 2, D-37079 Göttingen, [email protected]

Abstract Effects of forest structure, forest management and climate change on water budget components and indicators for drought stress have been evaluated for Lange Bramke, a small forested catchment in the Harz Mountains, Germany. Water budget components have been simulated with the hydrological model WaSiM-ETH. Climatic projections until 2050 are based on the IPCC-SRES scenario A1B and have been downscaled with the statistical model WETTREG. For the parameterization of interception and evapotranspiration, past and future characteristics of forest stands such as stand height and leaf area index (LAI) have been simulated using the statistical WaldPlaner model. To differentiate between effects of stand development and climatic change, water budget simulations were carried out for scenarios with constant stand characteristics and with stand development. Model simulations show that evapotranspiration has increased at Lange Bramke during the last 60 years due to a combined effect of stand development and climate change. The effect of forest growth is much more relevant than climate change. Stand development has affected interception mainly during the first 20 years, whereas transpiration has increased over the whole period. In the course of the next 40 years, drought stress for forest stands at Lange Bramke will increase due to a higher evaporative demand of the atmosphere. As a consequence, adaptation strategies for forest management are necessary to mitigate adverse effects of climate change.Key words water budget; stand development; climate change; evapotranspiration; interception; Harz Mountains


Impact of climate change and human interference on the hydrology of small basins in Kerala, India

SHADANANAN NAIRNansen Environmental Research Centre (India), Gopal Residency II Floor, Thottekkat Road, Kochi 682011, Kerala, [email protected]

Abstract The impact of environmental changes on the hydrology of small basins is a serious challenge to the safety of water, food and energy supplies in the state of Kerala, India. Human interference and climate changes have altered the hydrology of most of the basins here, with significant impacts on all facets of life. Conservation and management practices are inadequate and implementation of projects and policies often fail because of various social, economic and political problems. An assessment of the impact of climate change and human interference on the small basins of Kerala has been carried out. Changes in water availability under a predicted change in climate have been estimated using the modified hydrological model. Sediment transport in selected basins has been analysed. A review has been made of both the existing programmes and projects for the protection and management of basins, as well as of current policies and adaptation strategies.Key words climate change; human impact; environmental degradation; river basins; water availability; sedimentation; management; policies; Kerala, India


Time series modelling in the Schaefertal catchment in the Lower Harz Mountains, central Germany


FRIDO REINSTORF1, JÜRGEN TIEDGE1, JUDITH BAUSPIESS1, HERMANN JOHN1 & GREGOR OLLESCH2 1 University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, Dept. of Water and Waste Management, Breitscheidstr. 2,

D-39114 Magdeburg, [email protected] Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Dept of Soil Physics, Brückstr. 3a, D-39114 Magdeburg, Germany

Abstract The hydrological research catchment Schaefertal is located in the catchment area of the Bode River in the Lower Harz Mountains in central Germany. Of the basin with an area of 1.44 km 2, 96% is used for agriculture. The outlet of the basin is located at an elevation of 396 m a.s.l. The set-up of the research basin Schaefertal was started in 1965/1966. In 1968 a subsurface barrage based on the bedrock was erected to block the river valley, and the main hydro-meteorological station was put into operation. The aim of the paper is to present recent investigation results with regard to the characteristics of the rainfall–runoff relationship as well as of the development and application of a statistical time series model of the runoff in the Schaeferbach brook. Using the double-mass analysis, the homogeneity of the period 1996–2008 was demonstrated. The newly developed time series model shows a congruence of the simulated values with a Nash-Sutcliffe-coefficient between 0.69 and 0.99.Key words hydrological research catchment Schaefertal; Harz Mountains; observation programme; runoff analysis; time series modelling


Catchment-scale rainfall–streamflow modelling: utility versus process understanding

IAN G. LITTLEWOODIGL Environment, 19 Rawthey Avenue, Didcot OX11 7XN, [email protected]

Abstract A spectrum of computational catchment-scale rainfall–streamflow models is described, which comprises hybrids between top-down and bottom-up end-members. Drawing upon earlier work, it is demonstrated for the 10.6 km2 Wye at Cefn Brwyn (Wales, UK) how each of the five parameters of a hybrid top-down model (high utility, moderate process understanding) change systematically and stabilise as calibration data time-step decreases from daily to hourly. For data time-steps between daily and hourly the model parameters are estimated with good precision, but a quickflow parameter estimated from daily data is inaccurate by about +400% (relative to the stable value estimated using hourly data). As the information-content of the data increases (as data time-step decreases) so too does the calibrated model’s ability to quantify catchment-scale mixing of dominant quickflow and slowflow components. Suggestions for further work are made in the context of reducing the uncertainty in estimates of flow at ungauged sites.Key words Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB); uncertainty; precision; accuracy; regionalisation; Plynlimon; Wye at Cefn Brwyn, UK


Improving perceptual and conceptual hydrological models using data from small basins


HILARY MCMILLAN1, MARTYN CLARK1, ROSS WOODS1, MAURICE DUNCAN1, MS SRINIVASAN1, ANDREW WESTERN2 & DAVE GOODRICH3

1 National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Christchurch, New [email protected] Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia3 US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Abstract This paper demonstrates how data from a small experimental basin can be used to evaluate possible structures for a lumped hydrological model. Data collected at the Mahurangi experimental basin in New Zealand includes rainfall, streamflow and multi-depth soil moisture time-series data. We use this data to evaluate possible model representations of the soil zone available in the FUSE modular modelling framework. Upper and lower soil zone architecture choices are tested. The results provide substantial guidance for model structure choice. Key words model structure; diagnostics; hypothesis testing; soil moisture; recession analysis


Heading for knowledge in a data scarce river basin: Kharaa, Mongolia

TOBIAS TÖRNROS & LUCAS MENZELDepartment of Geography, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 348, D-69120 Heidelberg, [email protected]

Abstract A conceptual rainfall–runoff model was applied to the semi-arid and data scarce Kharaa River basin in northern Mongolia. The climate variability in the region is high and the observed runoff in the basin shows a sudden decrease in the middle 1990s. At the same time, precipitation is decreasing and temperature is increasing. To investigate the causes of the drastic runoff decrease, the model was calibrated for three time periods: the years before the runoff decrease, the following years, and eventually for the whole time period (1990–2002). The runoff was then simulated for all the years by using the three different parameter settings. All three simulations coincided with the observed runoff decrease, supporting the theory that the runoff decrease is driven by climate variation and not due to, e.g. higher water exploitation. Thereafter, the uncertainty of the model parameters was assessed, and the parameters were regionalised for runoff simulations in the 10 sub-basins of the Kharaa. The result showed that the uncertainty of the model parameters was low and that the seasonal as well as the inter-annual variation of runoff was high. During dry years and in specific sub-basins, the summers were characterised by nearly non-existent runoff. Furthermore, the sub-basins important for runoff generation could be identified. The result is to be used for establishing a monitoring system in the basin. Key words HBV-D; climate variability; parameter uncertainty; PUB; regionalisation; runoff modelling


Keynote:Do we need research results from small basins for the further development of hydrological models?

KEITH BEVEN1,2,3


1 Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, [email protected] Geocentrum, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75236, Sweden3 ECHO, ENAC, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Abstract Small basins are well suited to testing models as hypotheses about the function of the basin system, in that they may allow more detailed testing on internal state variables and tracer residence time data as well as the reproduction of hydrographs. However, in this type of hypothesis testing, account must be taken of the potential for epistemic errors in input data, evaluation observations and model structures as well as aleatory errors that can be dealt with by statistical theory. Treating errors as if they were aleatory might result in overestimation of the information content of observations in model inference. This then poses the question of what constitutes an adequate hypothesis test in the face of such (unknown) epistemic errors. One possible framework is outlined, making use of the limits of acceptability approach within the GLUE methodology. This results in treating model testing as a learning process, with the possibility of learning most from rejecting all the models tried.Key words multiple working hypotheses; uncertainty; commensurability; internal states; tracer data


Hydrology in a Mediterranean mountain environment – the Vallcebre research basins (northeastern Spain). IV. Implementing and testing hydrological models

FRANCESC GALLART1, JÉRÔME LATRON1, PILAR LLORENS1 & J. GARCÍA-PINTADO2 1 Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain 2 Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CSIC, Murcia, [email protected]

Abstract Several modelling exercises have been carried out in the Vallcebre research basins, NE Spain, in order to improve the understanding of their hydrological processes and to test the adequacy of some models in such Mediterranean mountain conditions. The more relevant among these exercises consisted of: (i) the analysis of the hydrological role of the agricultural terraces by means of the TOPMODEL topographic index, (ii) the comparison of several catchment models at a one-hour time step, and (iii) the parameterisation of TOPMODEL using internal basin information. The first exercise demonstrated that the terraces modify the spatial pattern of saturated areas in the basins, allowing the occurrence of patchy soil saturation in drier conditions than those expected. The second exercise demonstrated that most models were able to provide adequate simulations of the overall response of the basin during wet periods, but the parameters were of limited robustness when the simulation of drier periods was attempted. The third exercise showed that the use of internal basin information on the extent of saturated areas or depth to the water table gave information on the main TOPMODEL parameters without running the model; the use of this parameter information provided more robust and less uncertain model predictions, particularly when the separation between surface and subsurface flow was attempted. Current research focuses on the development of TOPBAL, a TOPMODEL version with the evapotranspiration and root zone sub-model improved for the semi-distributed simulation of soil moisture and transpiration of diverse types of land cover.Key words Mediterranean; hydrological modelling; hydrological processes; saturated areas; terraces; TOPMODEL


Robust estimation of hydrological parameters in the context of flood forecasting in small

catchments

THOMAS KRAUẞE1 & JOHANNES CULLMANN2

1 Department of Hydrology, Dresden University of Technology, Würzburger Str. 46, D-01187 Dresden, [email protected] IHP/HWRP-Secretariat, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, D-56068 Koblenz, Germany

Abstract A reasonable parameterization of hydrological models is the crucial factor applying conceptual and physically-based rainfall–runoff models. Within this paper a new approach for robust parameter estimation is presented and demonstrated using the example of the small Swiss research catchment Rietholzbach. The distributed rainfall–runoff model WaSiM-ETH is applied considering three conceptual model parameters for calibration. The approach is based upon a process-specific classification of the flood events and a robust parameter estimation algorithm ROPE, which is no longer a mathematical optimization but a geometrical search of a set of robust parameter vectors within a set of good performing ones. Besides the question of robustness, this opens the possibility to express the uncertainty in the estimated parameter vectors. The approach is compared with the classical optimization algorithm GML implemented in the calibration framework PEST.Key words automatic parameter calibration; flood forecasting; robust; parameter uncertainty; Monte Carlo methods


Calibration and uncertainty estimation of a distributed model in a small drainage basin in southeast Sweden

OSVALDO SALAZAR1,2, ABRAHAM JOEL1 & INGRID WESSTRÖM1

1 Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7014, Uppsala SE-750 07, Sweden [email protected] 2 Departamento de Ingeniería y Suelos, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile

Abstract The aim of this study was to calibrate and estimate uncertainties of discharge predictions for a tile-drained basin in a coastal area in southeast Sweden. Temporal trend and magnitude of monthly measured discharges, including their uncertainties, were well predicted. During the calibration period, 88%, and during the validation period, 75%, of the measured discharge were within the uncertainty limits (5 and 95%). The results indicated that the framework employed can be an effective tool for describing the discharge from drained basins under cold conditions in southern Sweden. Key words equifinality; hydrological modelling; parameter calibration; prediction uncertainty


Braunschweig Declaration

The need for a global network of long-term small hydrological research basins

Drafted on the occasion of the International Workshop on Status and Perspectives of Hydrology in Small Basins (Goslar-Hahnenklee, Federal

Republic of Germany, 30 March–2 April 2009)

Completed by Ian Littlewood, Pavol Miklanek, Laurent Pfister, Ulrich Schröder & Sybille Schumann

Approved by Workshop Participants; edited by Sybille Schumann & Ulrich Schröder

Published as:Schumann, S., Schmalz, B., Meesenburg, H. & Schröder, U. (eds) (2010) Status and Perspectives of Hydrology in Small Basins. Results of the International Workshop in Goslar-Hahnenklee, 2009 and Inventory of Small Hydrological Research Basins. IHP/HWRP-Berichte 10, Koblenz, Germany. http://www.euro-friend.de

contentshydrologie.org/redbooks/a336/p336 description, content… · web view– the need for a...

Documents