Taking theory to the field: streamflow generation mechanisms in an intermittent Mediterranean catchment

Streamflow dynamics for non-perennial networks remain poorly understood. The highly nonlinear unsaturated dynamics associated with the transitions between wetting and drying in non-perennial systems make modelling cumbersome. This has stifled previous modelling attempts and alludes to why there is still a knowledge gap. In this study, we first construct a conceptual model of the physical processes of streamflow generation in an intermittent river system in South Australia, based on the hypothesis that the vertical and longitudinal soil heterogeneity and topography in a basin control short term (fast flows), seasonal (slow flow), and a mixture of these two. We then construct and parameterise a fully integrated surface–subsurface hydrologic model to examine patterns and mechanisms of streamflow generation within the catchment. A set of scenarios are explored to understand the influences of topography and soil heterogeneity across the catchment. The results showed that distinct flow generation mechanisms develop in the three conceptualised areas with marked soil and topographic characteristics and suggested that capturing the order of magnitude for the average hydraulic conductivity of each soil type across the catchment was more important than pinpointing exact soil hydraulic properties. This study augments our understanding of catchment-scale streamflow generation processes, while also providing insight on the challenges of implementing physically based integrated surface–subsurface hydrological models in non-perennial stream catchments.

New functional topographic, lithology and climatic indices to define shallow groundwater systems in (un)gauged basins

<p>The dynamics of the rainfall-runoff processes are complex and variable both spatially and temporally. There is a rich literature on physical representation of streamflow generation processes, such as saturation excess overland flow, often at small scales. Yet, continental-scale estimations of the streamflow generation processes in zones with shallow groundwater systems are still poor. This has led to inability of earth system models or large-scale hydrologic models to correctly simulate stream flows at (un)gauged basins with high potential for the presence of saturation excess overland flow. Zones with shallow groundwater have a direct impact on the hydrologic response of rainfall events. Depending on the subsurface storage, climate signals and topography, they can enhance the overland flow, or act as a buffer zone to flatten the flood hydrographs. <br>We have introduced new indices, inspired by the concept of hydrologic function, that include the interactions amongst climatic and geophysical characteristics (soil parameters, topography and lithology) to delineate zones of shallow groundwater over the United States and Canada. We have evaluated and tested the ability of these indices in locating high-resolution zones of shallow groundwater against in-situ observations of water table depth. The knowledge of the spatial pattern of shallow groundwater zones at (un)gauged basins allows an accurate inclusion of hydrologic connectivity in earth system models or large-scale hydrologic models, improving their prediction of stream peak flow. Furthermore, as a significant part of incoming precipitation is transformed to overland flow due to oversaturation, these datasets could be introduced as a useful indicator of areas with flood and erosion susceptibility.</p>

Investigation of Lake and Wetlands Influence on Streamflow in Mesoscale Precambrian Shield Watersheds Using IsoWATFLOOD, A Tracer-Aided Hydrologic Model

<p>Hydrologists continue to be challenged in accurately predicting spatial variation in storage, runoff, and other hydrological processes in both natural and disturbed landscapes. Lakes and wetlands are important hydrologic stores in Precambrian shield watersheds. Identifying how they affect streamflow, independently and/or collectively is a challenge. Tracer-aided hydrologic modeling coupled with field-based stable isotope surveys offer a potentially powerful approach to investigation of mesoscale streamflow generation processes because the influence of evaporative enrichment generates a distinct signature of the surface water endmember, and continuous and distributed simulated streamflow can be tested against field observations under a range of flow conditions. The main objectives of this research are to investigate the influence of lakes and wetlands on streamflow generation by developing application of the tracer-aided hydrologic model isoWATFLOOD for the ~ 15275 km<sup>2</sup> Sturgeon - Lake Nipissing - French River (SNF) basin located on the Precambrian Shield in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Monthly surveys of δ<sup>18</sup>O and δ<sup>2</sup>H in river flow were collected between 2013 to 2019 (weekly to monthly) across eight sub-catchments, with supporting observations of volumes and stable isotopes in snowcores, snowmelt, precipitation and groundwater. Application of the hydrologic model isoWATFLOOD to the SNF Basin is developed for the first time, allowing for simulation of discharge and stable isotopes in streamflow and soil moisture across multiple sub-catchments. In model building, consideration of differences in quaternary geology, landcover, and sub catchment locations are considered.  Landcover ranges from the boreal forests to impervious urban areas, while dominated by temperate forest, with some coverage of agriculture/disturbed impacted systems; several major sub-catchments having hydropower regulations. Previous statistical analysis has highlighted the importance of wetlands, lakes, and quaternary geology as influential on differences in hydrologic and isotope response in SNF watershed, as a result, model building is considering different landcover types as lakes and wetlands. Six different Landover are considered for generating Group Response Units (GRUs). The model is calibrated using discharge and stable water isotope.  IsoWATFLOOD can represent variation in streamflow generation across the study area. Identifying the different impacts of lakes and wetlands on streamflow generation processes in study area by applying isoWATFLOOD for the SNF watershed will be the main achievement of this study.</p>