Kohl, B.; Achleitner, S.; Markart, G. & Klebinder, K. (2022.06.7-10). <b>Assessing and measuring Subsurface Storm Flow (SSF) by Artificial Rainfall Simulation (ARS)</b>. Presented at 18th Biennial Conference of the Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins , Portoferraio, Elba Island,Italy).
Resource Description
Title:
Assessing and measuring Subsurface Storm Flow (SSF) by Artificial Rainfall Simulation (ARS)
FOR816dw ID:
402
Publication Date:
2022-06-07
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Bernhard Kohl
Contact:
email:
bernhard.kohl <at> bfw.gv.at
BFW - Austrian Research Centre for Forests
Rennweg 1
Hofburg
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
Individual:
Stefan Achleitner
Contact:
email:
Stefan.Achleitner <at> uibk.ac.at
University of Innsbruck
Arbeitsbereich für Wasserbau
Technikerstrasse 13
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
Individual:
Gerhard Markart
Contact:
email:
webmaster <at> lcrs.de
Individual:
K. Klebinder
Contact:
email:
webmaster <at> ssf-hydrology.org
Abstract:
The use of artificial rainfall simulation (ARS) is a common method to study the interaction of<br/>
soil and water (Strauss et al. 2000). Traditionally, precipitation simulation has been used as a<br/>
tool to assess and determine the importance of surface runoff, usually with reference to soil<br/>
erosion. Large-scale experiments are generally rare, although they are an efficient way to<br/>
obtain directional soil hydraulic properties that functionally average local heterogeneities.<br/>
Flow processes in the subsurface are usually measured indirectly. Such non-destructive<br/>
methods for measuring subsurface flow processes often rely on soil moisture measurements<br/>
or other indirect geophysical measurements (ERT, EMI, GPR,...) often accompanied by isotope<br/>
or tracer analyses.<br/>
Direct measurement of subsurface rainfall runoff involves considerable effort and cost, and in<br/>
some cases, it is even impossible e.g., when it is not possible to dig a drainage ditch. At BFW -<br/>
Department of Natural Hazards, about 150 representative plots in the Eastern Alps have been<br/>
irrigated over the last 30 years using portable sprinkler systems for large plots (50 to 400 m²).<br/>
In total, more than 350 rain simulation trials have been conducted. Specifically, this BFW<br/>
rainfall simulation database contains data from 11 plots and 21 experiments where subsurface<br/>
storm runoff was directly quantified.<br/>
The results derived from these eleven test plots basically confirm the often-observed bimodal<br/>
nature of subsurface flow, consisting of preferential/macropore flow and flow through the soil<br/>
matrix (e.g., Weiler et al. 2005, Dasgupta et al. 2006, …). Preferential flow paths are mostly<br/>
attributable to heterogeneities in the soil. Preferential macropore flow can be differentiated<br/>
by means of such various types of heterogeneities. Four specific categories may be<br/>
distinguished: phytogenic macropores (e.g. cavities left by decomposing roots); zoogenic<br/>
macropores e.g. mole burrows, mouse holes); geogenic heterogeneities (e.g. periglacial cover<br/>
beds, bedrock fissures and cracks) and anthropogenic heterogeneities (e.g. drainage systems,<br/>
tillage pans). Each of these four categories is covered by at least one experiment in the BFW<br/>
data record.<br/>
The observed subsurface hydrographs provide insight into the process-dependent differences<br/>
in precipitation-infiltration-subsurface runoff response. In a research group currently applied<br/>
for at the DFG (SSF Research Unit), new and novel irrigation experiments for the measurement<br/>
of subsurface stormflow will be carried out in four test areas and the existing ones from the<br/>
BFW database will be reanalyzed and modeled.
Keywords:
| Artificial Rain Simulations | infiltration |
Literature type specific fields:
PRESENTATION
Conference Name:
18th Biennial Conference of the Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins
