Binary upscaling—the role of connectivity and a new formula

Although recognized as important, measures of connectivity (i.e. the existence of high-conductivity paths that increase flow and allow for early solute arrival) have not yet been incorporated into methods for upscaling hydraulic conductivities of porous media. We present and evaluate a binary upscaling formula that utilizes connectivity information. The upscaled hydraulic conductivity (K) of binary media is determined as a function of the proportions and conductivities of the two materials, the geometry of the inclusions, and the mean distance between them. The use of a phase interchange theorem renders the formula equally applicable to two-dimensional media with inclusions of low K and high K as compared with the matrix. The new upscaling formula is tested on two-dimensional binary random fields spanning a broad range of spatial correlation structures and conductivity contrasts. The computed effective conductivities are compared to what is obtained using self-consistent effective medium theory, the coated ellipsoids approximation, and to a streamline approach. It is shown that, although simple, the proposed formula performs better than available methods for binary upscaling. The use of connectivity information leads to significantly improved behavior close to the percolation threshold. The proposed upscaling formula depends exclusively on parameters that are obtainable from field investigations.     

Impact of fractional probability distributions on statistics of hydraulic conductivity,dynamics of groundwater flow and solute transport at a low-permeability site

The fractional Brownian motion (fBm) and fractional Lévy motion (fLm) can easily describe the geometry and the statistical structure of hydraulic conductivity (K) for real-world. However, the fBm and fLm models have not been systematically evaluated when building the K field for a low-permeability site. In this study, both the fBm and fLm are used to simulate the low-K field at NingCheGu (NCG), Tianjin, China. Groundwater flow and solute transport are then computed using MODFLOW and MT3DMS, respectively, and the influence of the fBm/fLm models for K on groundwater flow and solute transport is discussed. Results show that the fLm fits better the statistics of the low-K medium than fBm, and the random logarithmic K (LnK) field generated by fLm is more stable because the resultant LnK field captures more of the measured properties at the field site than that generated by fBm. In contrast, the LnK generated by fBm is more likely to form both high-K channels and low-K barriers. The fBm therefore predicts more extreme behaviours in flow and transport, including the preferential flow, low-concentration blocks and solute retention. The overall groundwater renewal period and solute travel time for the fLm simulation are slightly shorter than those for fBm. The impacts of the fLm and fBm models on the statistics of the resultant LnK fields and the dynamics of groundwater flow and solute transport revealed by this study shed light on the selection and evaluation of the fractional probability distribution models in capturing the K fields for low-K media.     

Geologic heterogeneity and a comparison of two geostatistical models: Sequential Gaussian and transition probability-based geostatistical simulation

A covariance-based model-fitting approach is often considered valid to represent field spatial variability of hydraulic properties. This study examines the representation of geologic heterogeneity in two types of geostatistical models under the same mean and spatial covariance structure, and subsequently its effect on the hydraulic response to a pumping test based on 3D high-resolution numerical simulation and field data. Two geostatistical simulation methods, sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and transition probability indicator simulation (TPROGS) were applied to create conditional realizations of alluvial fan aquifer systems in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) area. The simulated K fields were then used in a numerical groundwater flow model to simulate a pumping test performed at the LLNL site. Spatial connectivity measures of high-K materials (channel facies) captured connectivity characteristics of each geostatistical model and revealed that the TPROGS model created an aquifer (channel) network having greater lateral connectivity. SGS realizations neglected important geologic structures associated with channel and overbank (levee) facies, even though the covariance model used to create these realizations provided excellent fits to sample covariances computed from exhaustive samplings of TPROGS realizations. Observed drawdown response in monitoring wells during a pumping test and its numerical simulation shows that in an aquifer system with strongly connected network of high-K materials, the Gaussian approach could not reproduce a similar behavior in simulated drawdown response found in TPROGS case. Overall, the simulated drawdown responses demonstrate significant disagreement between TPROGS and SGS realizations. This study showed that important geologic characteristics may not be captured by a spatial covariance model, even if that model is exhaustively determined and closely fits the exponential function.     

A dripper-TDR method for in situ determination of hydraulic conductivity and chemical transport properties of surface soils

Field determined hydraulic and chemical transport properties can be useful for the protection of groundwater resources from land-applied chemicals. Most field methods to determine flow and transport parameters are either time or energy consuming and/or they provide a single measurement for a given time period. In this study, we present a dripper-TDR field method that allows measurement of hydraulic conductivity and chemical transport parameters at multiple field locations within a short time period. Specifically, the dripper-TDR determines saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s), macroscopic capillary length (λ_c), immobile water fraction (θ_im/θ), mass exchange coefficient (α) and dispersion coefficient (D_m). Multiple dripper lines were positioned over five crop rows in a field. Background and step solutions were applied through drippers to determine surface hydraulic conductivity parameters at 44 locations and surface transport properties at 38 locations. The hydraulic conductivity parameters (K_s, λ_c) were determined by application of three discharge rates from the drippers and measurements of the resultant steady-state flux densities at the soil surface beneath each dripper. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) was used to measure the bulk electrical conductivity of the soil during steady infiltration of a salt solution. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) for all sites were determined from the TDR measurements. The K_s and λ_c values were found to be lognormally distributed with average values of 31.4 cm h⁻¹ and 6.0 cm, respectively. BTC analysis produced chemical properties, θ_im/θ, α, and D_m with average values of 0.23, 0.0036 h⁻¹, and 1220 cm² h⁻¹, respectively. The estimated values of the flow and transport parameters were found to be within the ranges of values reported by previous studies conducted at nearby field locations. The dripper TDR method is a rapid and useful technique for in situ measurements of hydraulic conductivity and solute transport properties. The measurements reported in this study give clear evidence to the occurrence of non-equilibrium water and chemical movement in surface soil. The method allows for quantification of non-equilibrium model parameters and preferential flow. Quantifying the parameters is a necessary step toward determining the influences of surface properties on infiltration, runoff, and vadose zone transport.     

Effect of anisotropy on solute transport in degraded fen peat soils

Peat soils are heterogeneous, anisotropic porous media. Compared to mineral soils, there is still limited understanding of physical and solute transport properties of fen peat soils. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of soil anisotropy on solute transport in degraded fen peat. Undisturbed soil cores, taken in vertical and horizontal direction, were collected from one drained and one restored fen peatland both in a comparable state of soil degradation. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K _s) and chemical properties of peat were determined for all soil cores. Miscible displacement experiments were conducted under saturated steady state conditions using potassium bromide as a conservative tracer. The results showed that (1) the K _s in vertical direction (K _sv) was significantly higher than that in horizontal direction (K_sh), indicating that K _s of degraded fen peat behaves anisotropically; (2) pronounced preferential flow occurred in vertical direction with a higher immobile water fraction and a higher pore water velocity; (3) the 5% arrival time (a proxy for the strength of preferential flow) was affected by soil anisotropy as well as study site. A strong correlation was found between 5% arrival time and dispersivity, K _s and mobile water fraction; (4) phosphate release was observed from drained peat only. The impact of soil heterogeneity on phosphate leaching was more pronounced than soil anisotropy. The soil core with the strongest preferential flow released the highest amount of phosphate. We conclude that soil anisotropy is crucial in peatland hydrology but additional research is required to fully understand anisotropy effects on solute transport.     

Patterns and dynamics of river–aquifer exchange with variably-saturated flow using a fully-coupled model

The parallel physically-based surface–subsurface model PARFLOW was used to investigate the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of river–aquifer exchange in a heterogeneous alluvial river–aquifer system with deep water table. Aquifer heterogeneity at two scales was incorporated into the model. The architecture of the alluvial hydrofacies was represented based on conditioned geostatistical indicator simulations. Subscale variability of hydraulic conductivities (K) within hydrofacies bodies was created with a parallel Gaussian simulation. The effects of subscale heterogeneity were investigated in a Monte Carlo framework. Dynamics and patterns of river–aquifer exchange were simulated for a 30-day flow event. Simulation results show the rapid formation of saturated connections between the river channel and the deep water table at preferential flow zones that are characterized by high conductivity hydrofacies. Where the river intersects low conductivity hydrofacies shallow perched saturated zones immediately below the river form, but seepage to the deep water table remains unsaturated and seepage rates are low. Preferential flow zones, although only taking up around 50% of the river channel, account for more than 98% of total seepage. Groundwater recharge is most efficiently realized through these zones. Subscale variability of K_sat slightly increased seepage volumes, but did not change the general seepage patterns (preferential flow zones versus perched zones). Overall it is concluded that typical alluvial heterogeneity (hydrofacies architecture) is an important control of river–aquifer exchange in rivers overlying deep water tables. Simulated patterns and dynamics are in line with field observations and results from previous modeling studies using simpler models. Alluvial heterogeneity results in distinct patterns and dynamics of river–aquifer exchange with implications for groundwater recharge and the management of riparian zones (e.g. river channel-floodplain connectivity via saturated zones).     

Analysis of solute transport in flow fields influenced by preferential flowpaths at the decimeter scale

Several recent studies at the Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) site in Columbus, Mississippi, have indicated that the relative preferential flowpaths and flow barriers resulting from decimeter-scale aquifer heterogeneities appear to have a dominant effect on plume-scale solute transport. Numerical experiments are thus conducted in this study to explore the key characteristics of solute transport in two-dimensional flow fields influenced by decimeter-scale preferential flowpaths. A hypothetical but geologically plausible network of 10 cm wide channels of high hydraulic conductivity is used to represent the relative preferential flowpaths embedded in an otherwise homogeneous aquifer. When the hydraulic conductivity in the channels is 100 times greater than that in the remaining portion of the aquifer, the calculated concentration distributions under three source configurations all exhibit highly asymmetrical, non-Gaussian patterns. These patterns, with peak concentrations close to the source and extensive spreading downgradient, resemble that observed at the MADE site tracer tests. When the contrast between the channel and nonchannel hydraulic conductivities is reduced to 30:1 from 100:1, the calculated mass distribution curve starts to approach a Gaussian one with the peak concentration near the central portion of the plume. Additional analysis based on a field-scale model demonstrates that the existence of decimeter-scale preferential flowpaths can have potentially far-reaching implications for ground water remediation. Failure to account for them in numerical simulation could lead to overestimation of the effectiveness of the remedial measure under consideration.     

Vertically Integrated Hydraulic Conductivity: A New Parameter for Groundwater-Surface Water Analysis

Numerical modeling of groundwater-surface water interactions provides vital information necessary for determining the extent of nutrient transport, quantifying water budgets, and delineating zones of ecological support. The hydrologic data that drive these models are often collected at disparate scales and subsequently incorporated into numerical models through upscaling techniques such as piecewise constancy or geostatistical methods. However, these techniques either use basic interpolation methods, which often simplifies the system of interest, or utilize complex statistical methods that are computationally expensive, time consuming, and generate complex subsurface configurations. We propose a bulk parameter termed “vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity” (K_V), and defined as the depth-integrated resistance to fluid flow sensed at the groundwater-surface water interface, as an alternative to hydraulic conductivity when investigating vertical fluxes across the groundwater-surface water interface. This bulk parameter replaces complex subsurface configurations in situations dominated by vertical fluxes and where heterogeneity is not of primary importance. To demonstrate the utility of K_V, we extracted synthetic temperature time series data from a forward numerical model under a variety of scenarios and used those data to quantify vertical fluxes using the amplitude ratio method. These quantified vertical fluxes and the applied hydraulic head gradient were subsequently input into Darcy's Law and used to quantify K_V. This K_V was then directly compared to the equivalent hydraulic conductivity (K_T) assuming an infinitely extending layer. Vertically integrated hydraulic conductivity allows for more accurate and robust flow modeling across the groundwater-surface water interface in instances where complex heterogeneities are not of primary concern.     

Upscaling hydraulic conductivity based on the topology of the sub-scale structure

The hydraulic conductivity of heterogeneous porous media depends on the distribution function and the geometry of local conductivities at the smaller scale. There are various approaches to estimate the effective conductivity K_eff at the larger scale based on information about the small scale heterogeneity. A critical geometric property in this ‘upscaling’ procedure is the spatial connectivity of the small-scale conductivities. We present an approach based on the Euler-number to quantify the topological properties of heterogeneous conductivity fields, and we derive two key parameters which are used to estimate K_eff. The required coefficients for the upscaling formula are obtained by regression based on numerical simulations of various heterogeneous fields. They are found to be generally valid for various different isotropic structures. The effective unsaturated conductivity function K_eff (ψ_m) could be predicted satisfactorily. We compare our approach with an alternative based on percolation theory and critical path analysis which yield the same type of topological parameters. An advantage of using the Euler-number in comparison to percolation theory is the fact that it can be obtained from local measurements without the need to analyze the entire structure. We found that for the heterogeneous field used in this study both methods are equivalent.     

Upscaling of flow in heterogeneous porous formations: Critical examination and issues of principle

We consider heterogeneous media whose properties vary in space and particularly aquifers whose hydraulic conductivity K may change by orders of magnitude in the same formation. Upscaling of conductivity in models of aquifer flow is needed in order to reduce the numerical burden, especially when modeling flow in heterogeneous aquifers of 3D random structure. Also, in many applications the interest is in average values of the dependent variables over scales larger or comparable to the conductivity length scales. Assigning values of the conductivity K_b to averaging domains, or computational blocks, is the topic of a large body of literature, the problem being of wide interest in various branches of physics and engineering. It is clear that upscaling causes loss of information and at best it can render a good approximation of the fine scale solution after averaging it over the blocks.The present article focuses on upscaling approaches dealing with random media. It is not meant to be a review paper, its main scope being to elucidate a few issues of principle and to briefly discuss open questions. We show that upscaling can be usually achieved only approximately, and the result may depend on the particular upscaling scheme adopted. The typically scarce information on the statistical structure of the fine-scale conductivity imposes a strong limitation to the upscaling problem. Also, local upscaling is not possible in nonuniform mean flows, for which the upscaled conductivity tensor is generally nonlocal and it depends on the domain geometry and the boundary conditions. These and other limitations are discussed, as well as other open topics deserving further investigation.     

Hydraulic Tomography: 3D Hydraulic Conductivity,Fracture Network,and Connectivity in Mudstone

We present the first demonstration of hydraulic tomography (HT) to estimate the three-dimensional (3D) hydraulic conductivity (K) distribution of a fractured aquifer at high-resolution field scale (HRFS), including the fracture network and connectivity through it. We invert drawdown data collected from packer-isolated borehole intervals during 42 pumping tests in a wellfield at the former Naval Air Warfare Center, West Trenton, New Jersey, in the Newark Basin. Five additional tests were reserved for a quality check of HT results. We used an equivalent porous medium forward model and geostatistical inversion to estimate 3D K at high resolution (K blocks <1 m³), using no strict assumptions about K variability or fracture statistics. The resulting 3D K estimate ranges from approximately 0.1 (highest-K fractures) to approximately 10⁻¹³ m/s (unfractured mudstone). Important estimated features include: (1) a highly fractured zone (HFZ) consisting of a sequence of high-K bedding-plane fractures; (2) a low-K zone that disrupts the HFZ; (3) several secondary fractures of limited extent; and (4) regions of very low-K rock matrix. The 3D K estimate explains complex drawdown behavior observed in the field. Drawdown tracing and particle tracking simulations reveal a 3D fracture network within the estimated K distribution, and connectivity routes through the network. Model fit is best in the shallower part of the wellfield, with high density of observations and tests. The capabilities of HT demonstrated for 3D fractured aquifer characterization at HRFS may support improved in situ remediation for contaminant source zones, and applications in mining, repository assessment, or geotechnical engineering.     

A 3D ERT study of solute transport in a large experimental tank

A high resolution, cross-borehole, 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) study of solute transport was conducted in a large experimental tank. ERT voxels comprising the time sequence of electrical images were converted into a 3D array of ERT estimated fluid conductivity breakthrough curves and compared with direct measurements of fluid conductivity breakthrough made in wells. The 3D ERT images of solute transport behaviour were also compared with predictions based on a 3D finite-element, coupled flow and transport model, accounting for gravity induced flow caused by concentration differences.The tank (dimensions 185×245×186 cm) was filled with medium sand, with a gravel channel and a fine sand layer installed. This heterogeneous system was designed to complicate solute transport behaviour relative to a homogeneous sand tank, and to thus provide a challenging but insightful analysis of the ability of 3D ERT to resolve transport phenomena. Four ERT arrays and 20 piezometers were installed during filling. A NaCl tracer (conductivity 1.34 S/m) was injected and intensively monitored with 3D ERT and direct sampling of fluid chemistry in piezometers.We converted the bulk conductivity estimate for 250 voxels in the ERT imaged volume into ERT estimated voxel fluid conductivity by assuming that matrix conduction in the tank is negligible. In general, the ERT voxel response is in reasonable agreement with the shape of fluid conductivity breakthrough observed in six wells in which direct measurements of fluid conductivity were made. However, discrepancies occur, particularly at early times, which we attribute to differences between the scale of the image voxels and the fluid conductivity measurement, measurement errors mapped into the electrical inversion and artificial image roughness resulting from the inversion.ERT images revealed the 3D tracer distribution at 15 times after tracer injection. The general pattern and timing of solute breakthrough observed with ERT agreed with that predicted from the flow/transport modelling. However, the ERT images indicate a vertical component of tracer transport and preferential flow paths in the medium sand. We attribute this to transient vertical gradients established during tracer injection, and heterogeneity caused by sorting of the sand resulting from the filling procedure. In this study, ERT provided a unique dataset of 250 voxel breakthrough curves in 1.04 m³. The use of 3D ERT to generate an array of densely sampled estimated fluid conductivity breakthrough curves is a potentially powerful tool for quantifying solute transport processes.     

A comparative study of Monte Carlo simple genetic algorithm and noisy genetic algorithm for cost-effective sampling network design under uncertainty

This study evaluates and compares two methodologies, Monte Carlo simple genetic algorithm (MCSGA) and noisy genetic algorithm (NGA), for cost-effective sampling network design in the presence of uncertainties in the hydraulic conductivity (K) field. Both methodologies couple a genetic algorithm (GA) with a numerical flow and transport simulator and a global plume estimator to identify the optimal sampling network for contaminant plume monitoring. The MCSGA approach yields one optimal design each for a large number of realizations generated to represent the uncertain K-field. A composite design is developed on the basis of those potential monitoring wells that are most frequently selected by the individual designs for different K-field realizations. The NGA approach relies on a much smaller sample of K-field realizations and incorporates the average of objective functions associated with all K-field realizations directly into the GA operators, leading to a single optimal design. The efficacy of the MCSGA-based composite design and the NGA-based optimal design is assessed by applying them to 1000 realizations of the K-field and evaluating the relative errors of global mass and higher moments between the plume interpolated from a sampling network and that output by the transport model without any interpolation. For the synthetic application examined in this study, the optimal sampling network obtained using NGA achieves a potential cost savings of 45% while keeping the global mass and higher moment estimation errors comparable to those errors obtained using MCSGA. The results of this study indicate that NGA can be used as a useful surrogate of MCSGA for cost-effective sampling network design under uncertainty. Compared with MCSGA, NGA reduces the optimization runtime by a factor of 6.5.     

Correlation between bacterial attachment rate coefficients and hydraulic conductivity and its effect on field-scale bacterial transport

It has been widely observed in field experiments that the apparent rate of bacterial attachment, particularly as parameterized by the collision efficiency in filtration-based models, decreases with transport distance (i.e., exhibits scale-dependency). This effect has previously been attributed to microbial heterogeneity; that is, variability in cell–surface properties within a single monoclonal population. We demonstrate that this effect could also be interpreted as a field-scale manifestation of local-scale correlation between physical heterogeneity (hydraulic conductivity variability) and reaction heterogeneity (attachment rate coefficient variability). A field-scale model of bacterial transport developed for the South Oyster field research site located near Oyster, Virginia, and observations from field experiments performed at that site, are used as the basis for this study. Three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations of bacterial transport were performed under four alternative scenarios: (1) homogeneous hydraulic conductivity (K) and attachment rate coefficient (K_f); (2) heterogeneous K, homogeneous K_f; (3) heterogeneous K and K_f with local correlation based on empirical and theoretical relationships; and (4) heterogeneous K and K_f without local correlation. The results of the 3D simulations were analyzed using 1D model approximations following conventional methods of field data analysis. An apparent decrease with transport distance of effective collision efficiency was observed only in the case where the local properties were both heterogeneous and correlated. This effect was observed despite the fact that the local collision efficiency was specified as a constant in the 3D model, and can therefore be interpreted as a scale effect associated with the local correlated heterogeneity as manifested at the field scale.     

Point-to-point connectivity,an abstract concept or a key issue for risk assessment studies?

Connectivity of high/low-permeability areas has been recognized to significantly impact groundwater flow and solute transport. The task of defining a rigorous quantitative measure of connectivity for continuous variables has failed so far, and thus there exist a suite of connectivity indicators which are dependent on the specific hydrodynamic processes and the interpretation method. Amongst the many existing indicators, we concentrate on those characterizing connectivity between the points involved in a hydraulic or tracer test. The flow connectivity indicator used here is based on the time elapsed for hydraulic response in a pumping test (e.g., the storage coefficient estimated by the Cooper–Jacob method, S_est). Regarding transport, we select the estimated porosity from the breakthrough curve (_est). According to Knudby and Carrera [Knudby C, Carrera J. On the relationship between indicators of geostatistical, flow and transport connectivity. Adv Water Resour 2005;28(4):405–21] these two indicators measure connectivity differently, and are poorly correlated. Here, we use perturbation theory to analytically investigate the intrinsic relationship between S_est and _est. We find that _est can be expressed as a weighted line integral along the particle trajectory involving two parameters: the transmissivity point values, T, and the estimated values of S_est along the particle path. The weighting function is linear with the distance from the pumping well, thus the influence of the weighting function is maximum at the injection area, whereas the hydraulic information close to the pumping well becomes redundant (null weight). The relative importance of these two factors is explored using numerical simulations in a given synthetic aquifer and tested against intermediate-scale laboratory tracer experiments. We conclude that the degree of connectivity between two points of an aquifer (point-to-point connectivity) is a key issue for risk assessment studies aimed at predicting the travel time of a potential contaminant.     

The Influence of Topology on Hydraulic Conductivity in a Sand-and-Gravel Aquifer

A field experiment consisting of geophysical logging and tracer testing was conducted in a single well that penetrated a sand-and-gravel aquifer at the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology research site on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Geophysical logs and flowmeter/pumping measurements were obtained to estimate vertical profiles of porosity ϕ, hydraulic conductivity K, temperature, and bulk electrical conductivity under background, freshwater conditions. Saline-tracer fluid was then injected into the well for 2 h and its radial migration into the surrounding deposits was monitored by recording an electromagnetic-induction log every 10 min. The field data are analyzed and interpreted primarily through the use of Archie's (1942) law to investigate the role of topological factors such as pore geometry and connectivity, and grain size and packing configuration in regulating fluid flow through these coarse-grained materials. The logs reveal no significant correlation between K and ϕ, and imply that groundwater models that link these two properties may not be useful at this site. Rather, it is the distribution and connectivity of the fluid phase as defined by formation factor F, cementation index m, and tortuosity α that primarily control the hydraulic conductivity. Results show that F correlates well with K, thereby indicating that induction logs provide qualitative information on the distribution of hydraulic conductivity. A comparison of α, which incorporates porosity data, with K produces only a slightly better correlation and further emphasizes the weak influence of the bulk value of ϕ on K.     

Assessing plot-scale impacts of land use on overland flow generation in Central Panama

Land use in Panama has changed dramatically with ongoing deforestation and conversion to cropland and cattle pastures, potentially altering the soil properties that drive the hydrological processes of infiltration and overland flow. We compared plot-scale overland flow generation between hillslopes in forested and actively cattle-grazed watersheds in Central Panama. Soil physical and hydraulic properties, soil moisture and overland flow data were measured along hillslopes of each land-use type. Soil characteristics and rainfall data were input into a simple, 1-D representative model, HYDRUS-1D, to simulate overland flow that we used to make inferences about overland flow response at forest and pasture sites. Runoff ratios (overland flow/rainfall) were generally higher at the pasture site, although no overall trends were observed between rainfall characteristics and runoff ratios across the two land uses at the plot scale. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) and bulk density were different between the forest and pasture sites (p < 10⁻⁴). Simulating overland flow in HYDRUS-1D produced more outputs similar to the overland flow recorded at the pasture site than the forest site. Results from our study indicate that, at the plot scale, Hortonian overland flow is the main driver for overland flow generation at the pasture site during storms with high-rainfall totals. We infer that the combination of a leaf litter layer and the activation of shallow preferential flow paths resulting in shallow saturation-excess overland flow are likely the main drivers for plot scale overland flow generation at the forest site. Results from this study contribute to the broader understanding of the delivery of freshwater to streams, which will become increasingly important in the tropics considering freshwater resource scarcity and changing storm intensities.     

Experimental hydrological forcing to illustrate water flow processes of a subarctic ladder fen peatland

Large peatland complexes dominate the landscape of the James Bay Lowland in subarctic Ontario, Canada. However, there is not a thorough understanding of the hydrological processes occurring in these important systems, particularly how ladder fens connect large domed bogs to the aquatic ecosystems that drain the peatland complex. Ladder fens consist of a pool‐rib topography where flow downgradient is controlled by the peat ribs. Within the ribs, low‐lying preferential flow paths typically enhance the transmission of water, whereas the elevated ridge microforms impede water flow to downgradient aquatic ecosystems. To assess the hydrological connectivity, we study the role of the water table, peat transmissivity, and microtopography of a small ladder fen for 3 summers (2013–2015) in the James Bay Lowland. The system was manipulated with a sustained hydrological forcing (water addition) to the upslope boundary of the fen during 2014 (38 m³/day) and 2015 (30 m³/day). There was an exponential increase in transmissivity towards the peat surface due to extremely high‐hydraulic conductivities within the upper few centimeters of the peat deposit. At the maximum water table, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the 0.1 m layer of peat below the water table varied depending on peat microtopography (preferential flow paths = 42–598 m/day and ridges = 16–52 m/day), resulting in high‐hydrological connectivity periods. Furthermore, during 2015, there was an abnormally large amount of precipitation (300 mm vs. long‐term average ~ 100 mm) that resulted in complete surface water connectivity of the site. This caused rapid movement of water from the head of system to the outlet (~15 hr) and runoff ratios >1, compared to low‐water table periods (runoff ratio ~ 0.05). This study highlights the profound importance of the transmissivity–water table feedback mechanism in ladder fens, on controlling the water retention and drainage of large peatland complexes.     

Soil hydraulic conductivities of latosols under pasture,forest and teak in Rondonia,Brazil

We investigated the changes of saturated hydraulic conductivity, K_sat , with depth of latosols developed on Precambrian basement rocks under primary rainforest, pasture and teak. In all cases, K_sat decreased with depth, with most of the decrease occurring between the surface and a depth of 30 cm. In conjunction with prevailing rainfall intensities and frequencies, this anisotropy supports a pronounced lateral component of hillslope flow paths, and also of overland flow under pasture. Our results are at variance with data from other latosols where K_sat tends to increase with depth, and hence suggest that considerable restraint is needed in generalization and extrapolation until results from a co‐ordinated effort at hydrology‐oriented data collection become available. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.