Understanding the role of the dynamics impacts of hyporheic zone processes on water balance and nutrient dynamis at the groundwater - surface water Interface of floodplains

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stefan Krause
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 22709851

The aims of this research are to investigate the hydrophysical and hydrochemical controls on groundwater - surface water interactions in two different river types under baseflow conditions, and to evaluate what factors at this interface influence the transformation of the flux of redox-sensitive elements. To address these general aims, three objectives have been formulated. OBJECTIVE 1 - HYDROPHYSICAL CONTROLS ON RIVER CONNECTIVITY: To evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of water fluxes across the groundwater-surface water interface at two sites with similar aquifer properties but in contrasting hydrological and geomorphologic environments. OBJECTIVE 2 - RIVER CONNECTIVITY CONTROLS ON HYDROCHEMISTRY AND NUTRIENT FLUXES: To determine the key physical characteristics that control the flux of redox-sensitivity elements at the two sites, allowing the development of a conceptual model of aquifer to river chemical flux balance at a sub-reach scale. OBJECTIVE 3 ¿ QUANTITATIVE ANALYSES OF WATER BALANCE AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS: To quantify water exchange and nutrient transport at the groundwater ¿ surface water interface. The experimentally gained results of objective 1 and 2 will be implemented into the IWAN model in order to improve the model adequacy regarding the reflection of hyporheic zone processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Hosts: Professor Dr. Andrew Binley; Professorin Dr. Louise Heathwaite