Cite as:
Crespo, P.; Bücker, A.; Feyen, J.; Frede, H. & Breuer, L. (2012): <b>Preliminary evaluation of the runoff processes in a remote montane cloud forest basin using Mixing Model Analysis and Mean Transit Time</b>. <i>Hydrological Processes</i> <b>-</b>, -.
Resource Description
Title:
Preliminary evaluation of the runoff processes in a remote montane cloud forest basin using Mixing Model Analysis and Mean Transit Time
FOR816dw ID:
1077
Publication Date:
2012-02-08
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Patricio Crespo
Contact:
email:
pcrespos <at> yahoo.com
168 Cuenca
Ecuador
Individual:
Amelie Bücker
Contact:
email:
amelie.buecker <at> umwelt.uni-giessen.de
35392 Gießen
Germany
Individual:
Jan Feyen
Contact:
email:
webmaster <at> tropicalmountainforest.org
Individual:
Hans-Georg Frede
Contact:
email:
hans-georg.frede <at> umwelt.uni-giessen.de
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26
Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management
Justus-Liebig-University Gießen
35392 Gießen
Germany
Individual:
Lutz Breuer
Contact:
email:
lutz.breuer <at> umwelt.uni-giessen.de
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26
Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management
Justus-Liebig-University Gießen
35392 Gießen
Germany
Abstract:
In this study, the Mean Transit Time and Mixing Model Analysis methods are combined to unravel the runoff generation process of the San Francisco River basin (73.5 km2) situated on the Amazonian side of the Cordillera Real in the southernmost Andes of Ecuador. The montane basin is covered with cloud forest, sub-páramo, pasture and ferns. Nested sampling was applied for the collection of streamwater samples and discharge measurements in the main tributaries and outlet of the basin, and for the collection of soil and rock water samples. Weekly to biweekly water grab samples were taken at all stations in the period April 2007–November 2008. Hydrometric data, Mean Transit Time and Mixing Model Analysis allowed preliminary evaluation of the processes controlling the runoff in the San Francisco River basin. Results suggest that flow during dry conditions mainly consists of lateral flow through the C-horizon and cracks in the top weathered bedrock layer, and that all subcatchments have an important contribution of this deep water to runoff, no matter whether pristine or deforested. During normal to low precipitation intensities, when antecedent soil moisture conditions favour water infiltration, vertical flow paths to deeper soil horizons with subsequent lateral subsurface flow contribute most to streamflow. Under wet conditions in forested catchments, streamflow is controlled by near surface lateral flow through the organic horizon. Exceptionally, saturation excess overland flow occurs. By absence of the litter layer in pasture, streamflow under wet conditions originates from the A horizon, and overland flow. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords:
| Ecuador | mixing model analysis | mean transit time | tracer | hydrological processes | cloud forest |
Literature type specific fields:
ARTICLE
Journal:
Hydrological Processes
Volume:
-
Page Range:
-
Publisher:
Wiley Online Library
Metadata Provider:
Individual:
Patricio Crespo
Contact:
email:
pcrespos <at> yahoo.com
168 Cuenca
Ecuador
Online Distribution:
Download File:
http://www.tropicalmountainforest.org/publications.do?citid=1077
