Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Book chapters
Title (Primary) Anthropogenic changes of water balance and runoff processes in a small low-mountain catchment
Title (Secondary) Status and perspectives of hydrology in small basins. Proceedings of the International workshop held in Goslar-Hahnenklee, Federal Republic of Germany, 30 March to 2 April 2009
Author Ollesch, G.; Hermann, J.; Meissner, R.; Reinstorf, F.
Publisher Herrmann, A.; Schumann, S.
Source Titel IAHS Publication
Year 2010
Department BOPHY
Volume 336
Page From 65
Page To 70
Language englisch
Keywords Schaefertal catchment, Germany; water balance; runoff processes; groundwater; mining; agriculture
Abstract The intervention and degradation of the environment has accelerated in modern times through technical capabilities. The objective of the presented study is the evaluation of different stresses on the hydrological processes and water balance of a small research catchment in a German low-mountain environment since the beginning of hydrological records in 1968. The research catchment "Schaefertal" is located in the Harz Mountains, NE-Germany, approximately 150 km southwest of Berlin. The outlet of the 1.44 km2 catchment is at 392 m a.s.l. The orthic luvisols and cambisols, which have developed on the loess sediments on slopes, underlie agricultural use, whereas the eutric gleysols and fluvisols at the valley bottom are used as pastures and meadows. A hydro-meteorological station is the backbone of the research station which started recording during the International Hydrological Decade in the late 1960s. Detailed analyses of the hydrograph and groundwater measurements allow the separation of three periods with distinct differences in water balance and runoff generating processes. Until 1973, hydrology is characterised by a well-balanced water flow. The base flow contribution guaranteed a minimum of water flow in summer time. The following periods were characterised by plot realignment, draining of a pasture area, and the opening of a mine causing a decrease of the regional groundwater level. This entailed a hydrological situation with long dry periods and episodic flash floods. In the course of the safekeeping of the mine, the groundwater level has been rising again since 1993.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=10371
Ollesch, G., Hermann, J., Meissner, R., Reinstorf, F. (2010):
Anthropogenic changes of water balance and runoff processes in a small low-mountain catchment
In: Herrmann, A., Schumann, S. (eds.)
Status and perspectives of hydrology in small basins. Proceedings of the International workshop held in Goslar-Hahnenklee, Federal Republic of Germany, 30 March to 2 April 2009
IAHS Publ. 336
International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), Wallingford, Oxfordshire, p. 65 - 70