bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bergen earth system model (BCM-C): model description and regional climate-carbon cycle feedbacks assessment
Authors: Tjiputra J. F. , Assmann K. , Bentsen M. , Bethke I. , Otterå O. H. , Sturm C. , Heinze C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. A complex earth system model is developed by coupling terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycle models into the Bergen Climate Model. Two model simulations (one with climate change inclusions and the other without) are generated to study the large scale climate and carbon cycle variability as well as its feedback for the period 1850–2100. The simulations are performed based on historical and future IPCC CO2 emission scenarios. Globally, a pronounced positive climate-carbon cycle feedback is simulated by the terrestrial carbon cycle model, but less significant signals are shown by the oceanic counterpart. Over land, the regional climate-carbon cycle feedback is highlighted by increased soil respiration, which exceeds the enhanced production due to the atmospheric CO2 fertilization effect, in the equatorial and northern hemisphere mid-latitude regions. Although the model generates nearly identical global oceanic carbon uptake between the coupled and uncoupled simulations, our analysis indicates that there are substantial temporal and spatial variations in air-sea CO2 fluxes. This implies feedback mechanisms act inhomogeneously in different ocean regions. In the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, the simulated future cooling of SST improves the CO2 gas solubility in seawater, and hence reduces the strength of positive climate-carbon cycle feedback in this region. In most of the ocean regions, the changes in Revelle factor is dominated by changes in surface pCO2, and not by the warming of SST. Therefore, the solubility feedback is more prominent than the buffer capacity feedback. In our climate change simulation, the opening of Southern Ocean sea ice due to melting allows an additional ~20 Pg C uptake as compared to the simulation without climate change.
Automatic generation of large ensembles for air quality forecasting using the Polyphemus system
Authors: Garaud D. , Mallet V.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper describes a method to automatically generate a large ensemble of air quality simulations. This is achieved using the Polyphemus system, which is flexible enough to build various different models. The system offers a wide range of options in the construction of a model: many physical parameterizations, several numerical schemes and different input data can be combined. In addition, input data can be perturbed. In this paper, some 30 alternatives are available for the generation of a model. For each alternative, the options are given a probability, based on how reliable they are supposed to be. Each model of the ensemble is defined by randomly selecting one option per alternative. In order to decrease the computational load, as many computations as possible are shared by the models of the ensemble. As an example, an ensemble of 101 photochemical models is generated and run for the year 2001 over Europe. The models' performance is quickly reviewed, and the ensemble structure is analyzed. We found a strong diversity in the results of the models and a wide spread of the ensemble. It is noteworthy that many models turn out to be the best model in some regions and some dates.
Implementation and evaluation of a new methane model within a dynamic global vegetation model: LPJ-WHyMe v1.3
Authors: Wania R. , Ross I. , Prentice I. C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. For the first time, a model that simulates methane emissions from northern peatlands is incorporated directly into a dynamic global vegetation model. The model, LPJ-WHyMe (LPJ-Wetland Hydrology and Methane), was previously modified in order to simulate peatland hydrology, permafrost dynamics and peatland vegetation. LPJ-WHyMe simulates methane emissions using a mechanistic approach, although the use of some empirical relationships and parameters is unavoidable. The model simulates methane production, three pathways of methane transport (diffusion, plant-mediated transport and ebullition) and methane oxidation. Two sensitivity tests were conducted, first to identify the most important factors influencing methane emissions and secondly to justify the choice of parameters. A comparison of model results to observations from seven sites revealed in general good agreement but also highlighted some problems. Circumpolar methane emissions for the period 1961–1990 were estimated to be between 40.8 and 73.7 Tg CH4 a-1.
Description of the Earth system model of intermediate complexity LOVECLIM version 1.2
Authors: Goosse H. , Brovkin V. , Fichefet T. , Haarsma R. , Huybrechts P. , Jongma J. , Mouchet A. , Selten F. , Barriat P.-Y. , Campin J.-M. , Deleersnijder E. , Driesschaert E. , Goelzer H. , Janssens I. , Loutre M.-F. , Morales Maqueda M. A. , Opsteegh T. , Mathieu P.-P. , Munhoven G. , Pettersson E. J. , Renssen H. , Roche D. M. , Schaeffer M. , Tartinville B. , Timmermann A. , Weber S. L.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The main characteristics of the new version 1.2 of the three-dimensional Earth system model of intermediate complexity LOVECLIM are briefly described. LOVECLIM 1.2 includes representations of the atmosphere, the ocean and sea ice, the land surface (including vegetation), the ice sheets, the icebergs and the carbon cycle. The atmospheric component is ECBilt2, a T21, 3-level quasi-geostrophic model. The oceanic component is CLIO3, which is made up of an ocean general circulation model coupled to a comprehensive thermodynamic-dynamic sea-ice model. Its horizontal resolution is 3° by 3°, and there are 20 levels in the ocean. ECBilt-CLIO is coupled to VECODE, a vegetation model that simulates the dynamics of two main terrestrial plant functional types, trees and grasses, as well as desert. VECODE also simulates the evolution of the carbon cycle over land while the oceanic carbon cycle is represented in LOCH, a comprehensive model that takes into account both the solubility and biological pumps. The ice sheet component AGISM is made up of a three-dimensional thermomechanical model of the ice sheet flow, a visco-elastic bedrock model and a model of the mass balance at the ice-atmosphere and ice ocean interfaces. For both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, calculations are made on a 10 km by 10 km resolution grid with 31 sigma levels. LOVECLIM 1.2 reproduces well the major characteristics of the observed climate both for present-day conditions and for key past periods such as the last millennium, the mid-Holocene and the Last Glacial Maximum. However, despite some improvements compared to earlier versions, some biases are still present in the model. The most serious ones are mainly located at low latitudes with an overestimation of the temperature there, a too symmetric distribution of precipitation between the two hemispheres, an overestimation of precipitation and vegetation cover in the subtropics. In addition, the atmospheric circulation is too weak. The model also tends to underestimate the surface temperature changes (mainly at low latitudes) and to overestimate the ocean heat uptake observed over the last decades.
Using interactive recession curve analysis to specify a general catchment storage model
Authors: Lamb R. , Beven K.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. An analysis of hydrograph recessions can be used to identify the parameters of a conceptual catchment storage irnodel and, with the advent of large-scale digital data storage and automated logging systems, it has become desirable to automate recession curve analysis. Various studies have thus reported algorithms used to infer 'baseflow' storage models automatically from recession data. Such algorithms commonly operate by maximising the fit of measured recession data to some a priori function. Here, an alternative approach is taken in which the appropriate form for a catchment saturated zone store is investigated by combining observed recession data to form a Master Recession Curve (MRC). This is done within a software package that offers automated functions to help select recession periods suitable for inclusion within the MRC. These recession periods are combined automatically to form a "prototype" MRC, which can be modified interactively to overcome problems such as unrepresentative or sparse data. The master recession for a catchment is used to calculate an empirical catchment-averaged discharge-relative storage (QΔS) relationship. The method is considered to be general because the QΔS relationship may be of arbitrary form. Examples are given, showing the derivation for three catchments of different QΔS functions.
Modelling the ecosystem effects of nitrogen deposition: Model of Ecosystem Retention and Loss of Inorganic Nitrogen (MERLIN
Authors: Cosby B. J. , Ferrier R. C. , Jenkins A. , Emmett B. A. , Wright R. F. , Tietema A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. A catchment-scale mass-balance model of linked carbon and nitrogen cycling in ecosystems has been developed for simulating leaching losses of inorganic nitrogen. The model (MERLIN) considers linked biotic and abiotic processes affecting the cycling and storage of nitrogen. The model is aggregated in space and time and contains compartments intended to be observable and/or interpretable at the plot or catchment scale. The structure of the model includes the inorganic soil, a plant compartment and two soil organic compartments. Fluxes in and out of the ecosystem and between compartments are regulated by atmospheric deposition, hydrological discharge, plant uptake, litter production, wood production, microbial immobilization, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification. Nitrogen fluxes are controlled by carbon productivity, the C:N ratios of organic compartments and inorganic nitrogen in soil solution. Inputs required are: 1) temporal sequences of carbon fluxes and pools- 2) time series of hydrological discharge through the soils, 3) historical and current external sources of inorganic nitrogen; 4) current amounts of nitrogen in the plant and soil organic compartments; 5) constants specifying the nitrogen uptake and immobilization characteristics of the plant and soil organic compartments; and 6) soil characteristics such as depth, porosity, bulk density, and anion/cation exchange constants. Outputs include: 1) concentrations and fluxes of NO3 and NH4 in soil solution and runoff; 2) total nitrogen contents of the organic and inorganic compartments; 3) C:N ratios of the aggregated plant and soil organic compartments; and 4) rates of nitrogen uptake and immobilization and nitrogen mineralization. The behaviour of the model is assessed for a combination of land-use change and nitrogen deposition scenarios in a series of speculative simulations. The results of the simulations are in broad agreement with observed and hypothesized behaviour of nitrogen dynamics in growing forests receiving nitrogen deposition.
Soil water storage and groundwater behaviour in a catenary sequence beneath forest in central Amazonia. II. Floodplain water table behaviour and implications for streamflow generation
Authors: Hodnett M. G. , Vendrame I. , De O. Marques Filho A. , Oyama M. D. , Tomasella J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Valley floor groundwater level data collected during the ABRACOS project (Gash et al. 1996), and published streamflow data from small forested catchments in geomorphologically similar areas nearby have been analysed to improve the understanding of the processes of streamflow generation. Early in the wet season, the floodplain water table is typically at 0.8 m depth, or less, and receives only local, vertical recharge. Large storms may create a groundwater ridge beneath the floodplain, temporarily creating a gradient in the direction of the hilislope. Later in the wet season, floodplain water levels are controlled primarily by the discharge of groundwater which maintains the dry season streamflow. The groundwater is recharged by deep drainage from beneath the plateau and slope areas once the dry season soil water deficit has been overcome. In the late wet season, the water level is almost at the floodplain surface and may create seeps on the lower slopes in very wet years. For the period 1966-1989, the recharge was estimated to range from 290 mm to 1601 mm with a mean of 1087 mm. Published data show that baseflow is 91% of annual runoff. Stormflow is generated on the floodplain, and water table recessions after rainfall events show that the runoff response depends on the depth to the water table. These results are from areas with deeply weathered and permeable soils; in areas of Amazonia with shallower soils, the predominant flow generation processes will differ (Elsenbeer and Lack, 1996).
Evaluation of rainfall infiltration characteristics in a volcanic ash soil by time domain reflectometry method
Authors: Hasegawa S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) was used to monitor soil water conditions and to evaluate infiltration characteristics associated with rainfall into a volcanic-ash soil (Hydric Hapludand) with a low bulk density. Four 1 m TDR probes were installed vertically along a 6 m line in a bare field. Three 30 cm and one 60 cm probes were installed between the 1 m probes. Soil water content was measured every half or every hour throughout the year. TDR enabled prediction of the soil water content precisely even though the empirical equation developed by Topp et al. (1980) underestimated the water content. Field capacity, defined as the amount of water stored to a depth of 1 m on the day following heavy rainfall, was 640 mm. There was approximately 100 mm difference in the amount of water stored between field capacity and the driest period. Infiltration characteristics of rainfall were investigated for 36 rainfall events exceeding 10 mm with a total amount of rain of 969 mm out of an annual rainfall of 1192 mm. In the case of 25 low intensity rainfall events with less than 10 mm h-1 on to dry soils, the increase in the amount of water stored to a depth of 1 m was equal to the cumulative rainfall. For rain intensity in excess of 10 mm h-1, non-uniform infiltration occurred. The increase in the amount of water stored at lower elevation locations was 1.4 to 1.6 times larger than at higher elevation locations even though the difference in ground height among the 1 m probes was 6 cm. In the two instances when rainfall exceeded 100 mm, including the amount of rain in a previous rainfall event, the increase in the amount of water stored to a depth of 1 m was 65 mm lower than the total quantity of rain on the two occasions (220 mm); this indicated that 65 mm of water or 5.5% of the annual rainfall had flowed away either by surface runoff or bypass flow. Hence, approximately 95% of the annual rainfall was absorbed by the soil matrix but it is not possible to simulate soil water movement by Darcy's law over a long period at farm level due to the local differences in rainfall intensity.
Effect of clear cutting on snow accumulation and water outflow at Fraser, Colorado
Authors: Troendle C. A. , Reuss J. O.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper compares of snowpack accumulation and ablation, evapotranspiration, and water outflow from clearcut and forested plots within a high elevation (2900 m) mixed conifer forest at the Fraser Experimental Forest near Fraser, Colorado, USA. Also presented is a method for defining contributing area where outflow is measured from unbounded plots. Plots were monitored from 1980 to 1990 and again in 1993. The clearcut plot was harvested in late 1984. Evapotranspiration (ET) of the forested plot at zero discharge (ETo) was estimated at 426 mm while the ET was 500 mm at the mean precipitation of 596 mm. ET was dependent on precipitation with about 28% of precipitation input in excess of 426 mm contributing to increased ET, while the remainder contributed to increased outflow. During the six monitored post-harvest years, Peak Water Equivalent of the snowpack averaged 36% higher on the cut plot than on the control, and the mean discharge increased from 85 mm to 356 mm. Area estimates were obtained from the slopes of the regression of outflow on precipitation inputs. Hydrologic parameters corresponded closely to those previously determined at Fraser Experimental Forest using other methods, lending credence to the validity of the area estimates.
Effect of clear cutting on nutrient fluxes in a subalpine forest at Fraser, Colorado
Authors: Reuss J. O. , Stottlemyer R. , Troendle C. A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Nutrient fluxes were investigated on a forested and a clearcut plot in a mixed conifer high elevation (2900 m) forest at the Fraser Experimental Forest in Fraser, Colorado, USA. Plots were located on a coarse loamy mixed Dystric Cryochrept with relatively high base saturation (30-90%) and underlain by an impermeable clay subsoil. Following harvest in late 1984, annual mean NO3 concentrations of 195 to 198 μmol l-1 were observed from 1988 through 1990 and concentrations were still above reference levels in 1993. Total nitrogen loss attributable to leaching following harvest was estimated at 48kg ha-1 over 8 years. Over this same period, atmospheric nitrogen inputs exceeded annual outflow of NH4 plus NO3 from the control plots by approximately 11 kg N ha-1. A slight enrichment Of SO4 and Cl was observed from the harvested plot in 1986 but concentrations later fell below control plot levels, apparently due to dilution by the increased discharge from the harvested plot which was three to four times that from the control plot. Elevated Ca, Mg, and Na concentrations followed a similar pattern to NO3 due to exchange reactions, while a depression in alkalinity of about one-third the amount of NO3 found was also observed. Enrichment of K occurred primarily in water collected at less than 1 m depth. Increases in base cation loss due to leaching after harvest were about twice the amount that can be accounted for by the increased flux of NO3, SO4, and Cl anions. The excess reflects the increased water flux and consequent leaching of base cations in association with HCO3 and organic anions.
The Use of Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms for Design of Groundwater Remediation Schemes
Authors: Rao Z. , Jamieson D. G.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The increasing incidence of groundwater pollution has led to recognition of a need to develop objective techniques for designing reniediation schemes. This paper outlines one such possibility for determining how many abstraction/injection wells are required, where they should be located etc., having regard to minimising the overall cost. To that end, an artificial neural network is used in association with a 2-D or 3-D groundwater simulation model to determine the performance of different combinations of abstraction/injection wells. Thereafter, a genetic algorithm is used to identify which of these combinations offers the least-cost solution to achieve the prescribed residual levels of pollutant within whatever timescale is specified. The resultant hybrid algorithm has been shown to be effective for a simplified but nevertheless representative problem; based on the results presented, it is expected the methodology developed will be equally applicable to large-scale, real-world situations.
Development of a Hydrogeological Model of the Borrowdale Volcanics at Sellafield
Authors: Lunn R. J. , Lunn A. D. , Mackay R.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This work has arisen out of recent developments within the radioactive waste research programme managed by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution, UK (HMIP)*, to develop an integrated flow and transport model for the potential deep radioactive waste repository at Sellafield. One of the largest sources of uncertainty in model predictions, is the characterisation of the hydrogeological properties of the underlying strata, in particular, of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group (BVG) within which the repository is to be located. Analysis of the available borehole data (that released by the proponent company, Nirex, by December 1995) for the BVG formation has indicated a dual regime consisting of flow within faults and flow within the matrix (or an equivalent porous medium containing micro-fractures). Significant relationships between permeability, depth and the presence and orientation of faults have been identified; they account for a variation of up to 6 orders of magnitude in mean permeability measurements. This can be explained in part by the effect of the orientation of the current maximum principal stress directions within the BVG: however, it is likely that permeability is also dependent on the existence of fracture families, which cannot be effectively identified from the data currently available. These analyses have enabled considerable insight to be gained into the dominant features of flow within the BVG. The conceptual hydrogeological model derived here will have a significant effect on the outcome and reliability of future radionuclide transport predictions in the Sellafield area.
The impact of site factors and climate variability on the calculation of potential evaporation at Moel Cynnedd, Plynlimon
Authors: Crane S. B. , Hudson J. A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The meteorological record from the manual Moel Cynnedd climate station at Plynlimon in the Welsh Uplands has been supplemented with solar radiation data, initially from the Institute of Hydrology's Dolydd Office, and later from an adjacent automatic weather station, in order to calculate Penman potential evapotranspiration for the entire 27 year data set, 1969-1995. The methods of data capture are consistent with Meteorological Office criteria throughout the entire record, establishing an unbiased and probably unique indicator of climatic variability and change for this type of environment. Values of Penman Et calculated from these data provides an independent index of atmospheric demand for moisture as an adjunct to the hydrological studies being carried out in the Plynlimon and neighbouring catchments. Analysis of the long term data indicates considerable year-to year variability in the component variables, including some cyclical changes and possible long term trends in measured temperature. Annual variability in Et is less than in the component variables, and there is an indication of a possible long term cycle, but no evidence of an overall trend in Et during this particular study period. The results indicate that some of the observed variability can be explained by inevitable changes in exposure within this forest clearing site rather than changes in regional or global climatic patterns. A single meteorological station sited in a forest clearing at a relatively low altitude may underestimate potential evaporation across the catchment, as this will also include areas of exposed hillside and forest canopy.
Direct measurement of evaporation from grassland at Plynlimon
Authors: McNeil D. D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Over the last decade there has been some uncertainty over the calculation of "actual" catchment evaporation from the long-term difference between rainfall and runoff for the grassland Wye catchment at Plynlimon, compared to estimates made using the Penman formula on data from automatic weather stations. Hence, measurements of actual evaporation were made over a two month period in the late summer of 1992 using the eddy-correlation technique on a relatively flat but wetter than average site in this upland region. Although the site was rather restricted for this type of measurement, the quality of data proved typical of other eddy-correlation measurements made at more aerodynamically suitable sites. The ratio of actual evaporation to the Penman estimate on dry days in summer was 0.83. This compares with an average annual ratio, generated from the catchment data for the period 1978 to 1995, of 1.01. The catchment rainfall value has been improved recently by weighting each gauge using altitude domains.
Recharge Response Functions
Authors: Calver A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper explores the establishment of transfer functions for describing the annual oscillation of unconfined aquifer water levels in response to effective precipitation. A simple saturated zone representation is developed to accompany the unsaturated zone mechanism. Practical examples are drawn from a sample of sites from the chalk and the Permo-Triassic sandstones of England and Wales. Modelled water levels are in many cases good. The technique is most appropriate within the usual range of fluctuation of aquifer water level, with no great change in influence of abstractions, and when it is acceptable to approximate the complexity of unsaturated zone processes in practical analysis.
Dynamics of river sediments in forested headwater streams: Plynlimon
Authors: Leeks G. J. L. , Marks S. D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Long term studies of fluvial sediment processes in the Plynlimon catchments have contributed to the assessment and quantification of plantation forestry impacts in British upland catchments, at all stages of the forest cycle. The results from the Plynlimon studies are placed in the context of the observed impacts of particular forest practices and studies of forestry effects on sediment transport elsewhere in the world. The effects associated with drain excavation, ploughing, track construction, ground and channel disruption are outlined for both bedload and, particularly, for suspended load. Finally, recent data on sediment yields from 1995 to 1997 at Plynlimon are reported and discussed in the light of longer-term sediment yield estimates. This paper also provides background information relevant to other sediment process studies which use data from the main Plynlimon sediment monitoring network.
Trends and seasonality in stream water chemistry in two moorland catchments of the Upper River Wye, Plynlimon
Authors: Reynolds B. , Renshaw M. , Sparks T. H. , Crane S. , Hughes S. , Brittain S. A. , Kennedy V. H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Stream water chemistry in the Cyff and Gwy subcatchments within the headwaters of the River Wye has been monitored regularly since 1980. In the Gwy, which is a predominantly semi-natural grassland catchment, land use has remained relatively static over the monitoring period, whilst the Cyff catchment is more buffered because of base cation inputs from agricultural improvement and ground water sources. Using a variety of statistical techniques, the long-term data are examined for evidence of trends after eliminating seasonal effects. The results highlight some of the difficulties associated with the analysis of longterm water quality data which show considerable variability over a variety of timescales. Some of this variability can be explained in terms of hydrochemical responses to climatic extremes and episodic events such as large atmospheric inputs of seasalts. The long-term fluctuations in solute concentration underline the continuing need for maintaining consistent long-term monitoring at sensitive upland sites if underlying trends related to gradual changes in pollutant deposition or climate are to be detected with any certainty.
Sources and controls of calcium and magnesium in storm runoff: the role of groundwater and ion exchange reactions along water flowpaths
Authors: Chapman P. J. , Reynolds B. , Wheater H. S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. A combined hydrological and chemical investigation was undertaken in a small moorland catchment at Plynlimon to determine the processes controlling storm runoff chemistry. Flow from natural soil pipes, overland flow from peat soils, throughflow from a mineral horizon and streamflow were gauged and sampled intensively during seven storms. Stormflow Ca and Mg concentrations in stream water consistently exceeded those observed in overland flow, pipeflow and throughflow. The response of Ca and Mg to increases in streamflow varied between the storms and could not be explained readily by the mixing of the dominant source waters monitored within the catchment. Intensive sampling of pipe water along a major stormflow pathway revealed a large and consistent increase in the concentration of dissolved Ca and Mg accompanied by a corresponding decrease in acidity, the magnitude of which was strongly influenced by antecedent conditions. Analyses of soil exchangeable cations along the stormflow pathway revealed soils enriched in divalent cations probably derived from a groundwater source. Laboratory leaching experiments confirmed that rapid cation exchange reactions could explain the changes in pipe water chemistry along the stormflow pathway. The relative contribution of flow from pathways where these ion exchange reactions occur strongly influences the stormflow response of Ca and Mg in the stream. The results also highlight a potentially important, indirect role for base-rich groundwater in modifying storm runoff chemistry along water flowpaths.
Spatial and temporal variation in pH, alkalinity and conductivity in surface runoff and groundwater for the Upper River Severn catchment
Authors: Hill T. , Neal C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Measurements of pH, alkalinity and electrical conductivity are used to examine the extent of the spatial and temporal variation in stream and ground water chemistry for the Upper Severn catchment, Plynlimon. Wide temporal variations in stream waters broadly reflect flow conditions and complex soil and ground water interactions but not soil type, land usage or geology. The results have major implications for the use of critical load analysis and the development and application of models in upland catchments. They point to the value of field measurements for assessing the environmental management of upland catchments, rather than the present use of over simplistic or inappropriate models.
A bibliography of hydrological, geomorphological, sedimentological, biological and hydrochemical references to the Institute of Hydrology experimental catchment studies in Plynlimon
Authors: Kirby C. , Neal C. , Turner H. , Moorhouse P.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This bibliography provides a backdrop to the environmental research completed within the context of the Plynlimon catchment study area. It includes the bibliography produced by Kirby et al. in 1991 plus references from (1) a computer-based literature search using all the standard water industry and water research data bases and (2) a questionnaire sent to all the contributors to this special volume of Hydrological and Earth System Sciences. The bibliography does not include the vast number of reports generated for various funding bodies over the years. The bibliography, comprising about 300 publications from 1960 to 1998, shows overwhelmingly the wealth and success of the endeavours of the various institute and university groups working in the Plynlimon catchments.
Depth distribution of preferential flow patterns in a sandy loam soil as affected by tillage
Authors: Petersen C. T. , Hansen S. , Jensen H. E.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Dye-tracer studies using the anionic dye Brilliant Blue FCF were conducted on a structured sandy loam soil (Typic Agrudalf). 25 mm of dye solution was applied to the surface of 11 1.6 x 1.6 m field plots, some of which had been subjected to conventional seed bed preparation (harrowing) while others had been rotovated to either 5 or 15 cm depth before sowing. The soil was excavated to about 160 cm depth one or two days after dye application. Flow patterns and structural features appearing on vertical or horizontal cross sections were examined and photographed. The flow patterns were digitized, and depth functions for the number of activated flow pathways and the degree of dye coverage were calculated. Dye was found below 100 cm depth on 26 out of 33 vertical cross sections made in conventionally tilled plots showing that preferential flow was a prevailing phenomenon. The depth-averaged number of stained flow pathways in the 25-100 cm layer was significantly smaller in a plot rotovated to 5 cm depth than in a conventionally tilled plot, both under relatively dry initial soil conditions and when the entire soil profiles were initially at field capacity. There were no examples of dye penetration below 25 cm depth one month after deep rotovation. Distinct horizontal structures in flow patterns appearing at 20-40 cm depth coupled with changes in flow domains indicated soil layering with abrupt changes in soil structure and hydraulic properties.
Recurring fingered flow pathways in a water repellent sandy field soil
Authors: Ritsema C. J. , Dekker L. W. , van den Elsen E. G. M. , Oostindiel K. , Steenhuis T. S. , Nieber J. L.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Field evidence of finger formation and reformation during Successive rain events over an eight months' observation period from June 1994 until January 1995 is presented. Fingered flow pathways were monitored in a no-tilled, grass-covered water repellent sandy field soil using an automated, stand-alone TDR device. Within a 2 m long and 0.7 m deep transect, 98 three-wire probes were installed horizontally at depths of 4, 12, 20, 30, 40, 55, and 70 cm. The horizontal distance between two adjacent probes was IS cm. Finger formation occurred during distinct rainy periods and was most pronounced under heavy rainfall with initially wet topsoil conditions. The percentage of water infiltrated and transported preferentially through the fingers to the deep subsoil varied between 0 and 80%, depending on the wetting history of the soil and the rainfall characteristics.
Field scale variability of solute transport parameters and related soil properties
Authors: Lennartz B. , Kamra S. K. , Meyer-Windel S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The spatial variability of transport parameters has to be taken into account for a reliable assessment of solute behaviour in natural field soils. Two field sites were studied by collecting 24 and 36 small undisturbed soil columns at an uniform grid of 15 m spacing. Displacement experiments were conducted in these columns with bromide traced water under unsaturated steady state transport conditions. Measured breakthrough curves (BTCs) were evaluated with the simple convective-dispersive equation (CDE). The solute mobility index (MI) calculated as the ratio of measured to fitted pore water velocity and the dispersion coefficient (D) were used to classify bromide breakthrough behaviour. Experimental BTCs were classified into two groups: type I curves expressed classical solute behaviour while type II curves were characterised by the occurrence of a bromide concentration maximum before 0.35 pore volumes of effluent (MI<0.35) resulting from preferential flow conditions. Six columns from site A and 8 from site B were identified as preferential. Frequency distributions of the transport parameters (MI and D) of both sites were either extremely skewed or bimodal. Log-transformation did not lead to a normal distribution in any case. Contour maps of bromide mass flux at certain time steps indicated the clustering of preferential flow regions at both sites. Differences in the extent of preferential flow between sites seemed to be governed by soil structure. Linear cross correlations among transport parameters and independently measured soil properties revealed relations between solute mobility and volumetric soil water content at time of sampling, texture and organic carbon content. The volumetric field soil water content, a simple measure characterising the soil hydraulic behaviour at the sampling location, was found to be a highly sensitive parameter with respect to solute mobility and preferential flow situations. Almost no relation was found between solute transport parameters and independently determined soil properties when non-preferential and preferential samples were considered separately in regression analyses. Future work should concentrate to relate integrated parameters such as the infiltration rate or the soil hydraulic functions to solute mobility under different flow situations.
Interpacket diffusion in SAMP model for water and solute movement in unsaturated soil
Authors: Ewen J. , O'Donnell G. M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. SAMP (subsystems and moving packets) is a recently developed method for modelling preferential flow and solute movement in porous media, and for determining the fate of "new" and "old" water and solute when the new enters a region containing the old. In a SAMP model, the modelled region (e.g. the unsaturated zone) is divided into cells, and the pore space within each cell is divided into many (often 100 or more) subsystems. Packets of water, containing solute, move within and between the cells, from subsystem to subsystem, thus simulating the bulk movement of water and solute. A theory is developed here for representing molecular diffusion in the liquid phase of porewater as interpacket diffusion, and this theory is implemented in the SAMP I one-dimensional vertical-column model. The model is found to exhibit appropriate sensitivity to its parameters, and is successfully calibrated against existing laboratory breakthrough data for tritium movement in Glendale silty clay loam. The quality of fit achieved to the laboratory data is found to be significantly better when interpacket diffusion is simulated than when it is not. The main parameters for the model are those for the matric potential and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity functions, and the only parameter requiring calibration is the internal scale, which affects both interpacket diffusion and the way packets move within the soil. Theoretical and numerical comparisons show there are similarities between the internal scale and the coefficient for solute exchange between the dynamic region and dead-space in the two-region (mobile-immobile) model of van Genuchten and Wierenga (1976).
On the performance of capillary barriers as landfill cover
Authors: Kämpf M. , Montenegro H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Landfills and waste heaps require an engineered surface cover upon closure. The capping system can vary from a simple soil cover to multiple layers of earth and geosynthetic materials. Conventional design features a compacted soil layer, which suffers from drying out and cracking, as well as root and animal intrusion. Capillary barriers consisting of inclined fine-over-coarse soil layers are investigated as an alternative cover system. Under unsaturated conditions, the textural contrast delays vertical drainage by capillary forces. The moisture that builds up above the contact will flow downdip along the interface of the layers. Theoretical studies of capillary barriers have identified the hydraulic properties of the layers, the inclination angle, the length of the field and the infiltration rate as the fundamental characteristics of the system. However, it is unclear how these findings can lead to design criteria for capillary barriers. To assess the uncertainty involved in such approaches, experiments have been carried out in a 8 m long flume and on large scale test sites (40 m x 15 m). In addition, the ability of a numerical model to represent the relevant flow processes in capillary barriers has been examined.
Is the groundwater reservoir linear? Learning from data in hydrological modelling
Authors: Fenicia F. , Savenije H. H. G. , Matgen P. , Pfister L.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Although catchment behaviour during recession periods is better identifiable than in other periods, the representation of hydrograph recession is often weak in hydrological simulations. Among the various aspects that influence model performance during low flows, in this paper we concentrate on those more inherently related to the modelling, such as the development of a suitable model conceptualization, and the choice of an appropriate calibration strategy. In this context we develop a methodology where the calibration procedure is combined with an iterative process of model improvement, to obtain an optimal model configuration that performs well both during low flows and high flows. The methodology starts by calculating a synthetic master recession curve that represents the long-term recession of a given catchment. Subsequently, using a simple reservoir model, we determine the storage-discharge relation that simulates the slow hydrograph component. This relation is determined without making any a-priori assumption on its form and is inferred from discharge data available through an iterative process. Next, high flow related parameters are recalibrated separately, to avoid that the simulation of low discharges is neglected in favour of a higher performance in simulating peak discharges. This methodology is applied on several catchments in Luxembourg, and as a result we determined that in all catchments except one (where human interference is high) within the chosen model structure a linear reservoir describes best the observed groundwater behaviour. This result is used to trigger a discussion as to the general suitability of the use of a linear groundwater reservoir in hydrological modelling.
Water discharge and sediment flux changes over the past decades in the Lower Mekong River: possible impacts of the Chinese dams
Authors: Lu X. X. , Siew R. Y.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The Lower Mekong River has witnessed extremely low water levels over the past few years. There is speculation that the changes are a consequence of the construction and operation of the Chinese cascade dams in the upper part of the Mekong main stream, the Lancang River. Dam construction on upper streams can produce a series of induced effects downstream, particularly in terms of water, sediment, channel and ecological changes. Analyses of discharge and sediment flux at various gauging stations on the Lower Mekong River have indicated a disruption in water discharge, water fluctuations and sediment transport downstream of the first Chinese dam among the 8 cascades (i.e. the Manwan Dam), after its reservoir was infilled in 1992. Dry season flows showed a declining trend, and water level fluctuations in the dry season increased considerably in the post-dam (1993–2000) period. Monthly suspended sediment concentration (SSC) has also decreased significantly in several gauging stations in the post-dam period. The estimation of sediment flux is challenging since the measurements of SSC were sporadic. Our estimation based on the available data indicated that the areas along the upper-middle and lowermost reaches of the Mekong River have experienced a decline in sediment flux, possibly due to sedimentation in the Manwan Dam. However, the decrease is only statistically significant at the nearest gauging station below the Dam (i.e. Chiang Saen). Areas located in the mid-length of the river show less sensitivity to the operation of the Manwan Dam, as sediment fluxes have remained stable or even increased in the post-dam period.
On the asymptotic behavior of flood peak distributions
Authors: Gaume E.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper presents some analytical results and numerical illustrations on the asymptotic properties of flood peak distributions obtained through derived flood frequency approaches. It confirms and extends the results of previous works: i.e. the shape of the flood peak distributions are asymptotically controlled by the rainfall statistical properties, given limited and reasonable assumptions concerning the rainfall-runoff process. This result is partial so far: the impact of the rainfall spatial heterogeneity has not been studied for instance. From a practical point of view, it provides a general framework for analysis of the outcomes of previous works based on derived flood frequency approaches and leads to some proposals for the estimation of very large return-period flood quantiles. This paper, focussed on asymptotic distribution properties, does not propose any new approach for the extrapolation of flood frequency distribution to estimate intermediate return period flood quantiles. Nevertheless, the large distance between frequent flood peak values and the asymptotic values as well as the simulations conducted in this paper help quantifying the ill condition of the problem of flood frequency distribution extrapolation: it illustrates how large the range of possibilities for the shapes of flood peak distributions is.
Distributed hydrological modelling of total dissolved phosphorus transport in an agricultural landscape, part I: distributed runoff generation
Authors: Gérard-Marchant P. , Hively W. D. , Steenhuis T. S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Successful implementation of best management practices for reducing non-point source (NPS) pollution requires knowledge of the location of saturated areas that produce runoff. A physically-based, fully-distributed, GIS-integrated model, the Soil Moisture Distribution and Routing (SMDR) model was developed to simulate the hydrologic behavior of small rural upland watersheds with shallow soils and steep to moderate slopes. The model assumes that gravity is the only driving force of water and that most overland flow occurs as saturation excess. The model uses available soil and climatic data, and requires little calibration. The SMDR model was used to simulate runoff production on a 164-ha farm watershed in Delaware County, New York, in the headwaters of New York City water supply. Apart from land use, distributed input parameters were derived from readily available data. Simulated hydrographs compared reasonably with observed flows at the watershed outlet over a eight year simulation period, and peak timing and intensities were well reproduced. Using off-site weather input data produced occasional missed event peaks. Simulated soil moisture distribution agreed well with observed hydrological features and followed the same spatial trend as observed soil moisture contents sampled on four transects. Model accuracy improved when input variables were calibrated within the range of SSURGO-available parameters. The model will be a useful planning tool for reducing NPS pollution from farms in landscapes similar to the Northeastern US.
Distributed hydrological modeling of total dissolved phosphorus transport in an agricultural landscape, part II: dissolved phosphorus transport
Authors: Hively W. D. , Gérard-Marchant P. , Steenhuis T. S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Reducing non-point source phosphorus (P) loss to drinking water reservoirs is a main concern for New York City watershed planners, and modeling of P transport can assist in the evaluation of agricultural effects on nutrient dynamics. A spatially distributed model of total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) loading was developed using raster maps covering a 164-ha dairy farm watershed. Transport of TDP was calculated separately for baseflow and for surface runoff from manure-covered and non-manure-covered areas. Soil test P, simulated rainfall application, and land use were used to predict concentrations of TDP in overland flow from non-manure covered areas. Concentrations in runoff for manure-covered areas were computed from predicted cumulative flow and elapsed time since manure application, using field-specific manure spreading data. Baseflow TDP was calibrated from observed concentrations using a temperature-dependent coefficient. An additional component estimated loading associated with manure deposition on impervious areas, such as barnyards and roadways. Daily baseflow and runoff volumes were predicted for each 10-m cell using the Soil Moisture Distribution and Routing Model (SMDR). For each cell, daily TDP loads were calculated as the product of predicted runoff and estimated TDP concentrations. Predicted loads agreed well with loads observed at the watershed outlet when hydrology was modeled accurately (R2 79% winter, 87% summer). Lack of fit in early spring was attributed to difficulty in predicting snowmelt. Overall, runoff from non-manured areas appeared to be the dominant TDP loading source factor.