Spatial variation of effective porosity and its implications for discharge in an upland headwater catchment in Scotland

L. K. Deeks, A. G. Bengough, D. Low, M. F. Billett, X. Zhang, J. W. Crawford, J. M. Chessell, I. M. Young

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spatial and temporal measurements of shallow sub-surface soil physical properties were made within a 1 km2 upland catchment. The surface soil layer of the catchment was organic rich (>70% organic matter) with a corresponding total porosity of 81%. Monthly point observations of volumetric water content (θ) were combined with point estimates of total porosity (ε) and the porosity 50 μm are of crucial importance in determining catchment discharge. Spatial and temporal variations in soil properties related to moisture content of the soil were also observed. Under dry conditions, a clear division based on aspect was noted, the west-facing side of the catchment being wettest. In wetter months, total porosity and soil water content were significantly affected by soil type and the spatial pattern of soil water content was more variable than in the dryer months. The physical quantification of soil properties in the shallow sub-surface layer proved important in explaining different initial changes in discharge from the catchment in response to a rainfall event. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)217-228
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Hydrology
Volume290
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 25 2004
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Generated from Scopus record by KAUST IRTS on 2023-02-15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology

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