HR: 09:15h
AN: H41B-03    [Abstracts]
TI: Does Variability Matter? - Virtual and Field Experiments to Understand Runoff Generation
AU: * Weiler, M
EM: markus.weiler@ubc.ca
AF: University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4 Canada
AU: Jost, G
EM: georg.jost@ubc.ca
AF: University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4 Canada
AB: The influence of the spatial variability of soil hydrological properties (water retention curve, saturated hydraulic conductivity, preferential pathways) and the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation and soil water content on runoff generation have been observed in many watersheds. Focusing on individual aspects, studies were able to describe and sometimes predict details of the observed variabilities. Understanding the combined responses, however, has been difficult. We present a study that combines individual variables and variabilities in space and time to systematically analyze their effect on runoff generation. First, we use field experimental investigations including tracer studies to detect and elucidate the main controls on runoff generation. Then, we combine the gained "field intelligence" with numerical simulations within the framework of virtual experiments to explore how the different spatial and temporal variabilities affect runoff generation, response time, and solute transport. In particular, spatial variability of soil depth, initial soil moisture content, and precipitation variability due to canopy interception is analyzed. Combining our conceptual understanding and field observation of runoff generation processes with virtual experiments, we can more effectively determine the influence of variability on runoff generation, organization of water in the hillslope, and isolate controlling factors.
UR: http://faculty.forestry.ubc.ca/weiler/
DE: 1860 Runoff and streamflow
DE: 1866 Soil moisture
DE: 1869 Stochastic processes
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
DE: 1875 Unsaturated zone
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly