Welcome to the project website of the RU 5288.

Subsurface stormflow (SSF) is a crucial yet difficult-to-measure process in hydrology that plays a significant role in flood events.
This lateral subsurface flow influences runoff formation more than previously assumed, either by contributing directly to river water or by creating saturated areas that then lead to overland flow.
SSF is challenging to capture because it only occurs under specific conditions and exhibits strong spatial variability (Soil conditions, vegetation and the topography of the terrain). A systematic investigation across different landscapes is necessary to better understand its behaviour.
The DFG research unit focuses on developing new measurement methods, analyzing spatial patterns, identifying thresholds, and assessing the impacts of SSF. Through experimental work in four test catchments (Sauerland, Black Forest, Ore Mountains, Alps) and close integration with modeling approaches, fundamental principles will be uncovered, and improved assessment methods will be developed.
The aim is to develop effective strategies for water management and flood protection.

The Research unit consists of members from seven universities (Essen-Duisburg, Marburg, Freiburg, Berlin, Dresden, Innsbruck, Bayreuth) and two research institutes (GFZ Potsdam, BFW Innsbruck) with cooperation partners in Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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Latest datasets