Hillslope hydrologic connectivity controls riparian groundwater turnover: Implications of catchment structure for riparian buffering and stream water sources

Kelsey G. Jencso; Brian L. McGlynn; Michael N. Gooseff; Kenneth E. Bencala; Steven M. Wondzell

doi:10.1029/2009WR008818

Treesearch

Hillslope hydrologic connectivity controls riparian groundwater turnover: Implications of catchment structure for riparian buffering and stream water sources

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Kelsey G. Jencso, Brian L. McGlynn, Michael N. Gooseff, Kenneth E. Bencala, Steven M. Wondzell

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1029/2009WR008818

Source:

Water Resources Research. 46: 1-18.

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Abstract

Hydrologic connectivity between catchment upland and near stream areas is essential for the transmission of water, solutes, and nutrients to streams. However, our current understanding of the role of riparian zones in mediating landscape hydrologic connectivity and the catchment scale export of water and solutes is limited. We tested the relationship between the duration of hillslope-riparian-stream (HRS) hydrologic connectivity and the rate and degree of riparian shallow groundwater turnover along four HRS well transects within a set of nested mountain catchments (Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest, MT). Transect HRS water table connectivity ranged from 9 to 123 days during the annual snowmelt hydrograph. Hillslope water was always characterized by low specific conductance.

Keywords

hillslope hydrologic connectivity, riparian groundwater, catchment structure, riparian buffering, stream water sources

Citation

Jencso, Kelsey G.; McGlynn, Brian L.; Gooseff, Michael N.; Bencala, Kenneth E.; Wondzell, Steven M. 2010. Hillslope hydrologic connectivity controls riparian groundwater turnover: Implications of catchment structure for riparian buffering and stream water sources. Water Resources Research. 46: 1-18.