Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1029/2022JG006831
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Riparian microtopography affects event-driven stream DOC concentrations and DOM quality in a forested headwater catchment
Author Blaurock, K.; Garthen, P.; da Silva, M.P.; Beudert, B.; Gilfedder, B.S.; Fleckenstein, J.H.; Peiffer, S.; Lechtenfeld, O.J. ORCID logo ; Hopp, L.
Source Titel Journal of Geophysical Research-Biogeosciences
Year 2022
Department ANA; HDG
Volume 127
Issue 12
Page From e2022JG006831
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
T9 Healthy Planet
Data and Software links https://doi.org/10.48758/ufz.12908
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.19086455
Supplements https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1029%2F2022JG006831&file=2022JG006831-sup-0001-Supporting+Information+SI-S01.pdf
Keywords dissolved organic carbon; hydrology; microtopography; DOM quality
Abstract The transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the soils to inland waters plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Widespread increases in DOC concentrations have been observed in surface waters over the last few decades, affecting carbon balances, ecosystem functioning and drinking water treatment. However, the primary hydrological controls on DOC mobilization are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microtopography in the riparian zone for DOC export and DOM quality. DOC concentration and DOM quality in the shallow groundwater of a riparian zone and in streamflow in a forested headwater catchment was investigated using fluorescence and absorbance characteristics. We found higher DOC concentrations with a higher aromaticity in the microtopographical depressions, which were influenced by highly dynamic shallow groundwater levels, than in the flat forest soil. As a result of the frequent wet-dry cycles in the upper soil layers, aromatic DOC accumulated in the shallow groundwater within and below the microtopographical depressions. Rising groundwater levels during precipitation events led to the connection of the microtopographical depressions to the stream, resulting in a change toward more aromatic DOC in the stream. Increasing stream DOC concentrations were accompanied by increasing concentrations of iron and aluminum, suggesting the coupled release of these metals with DOC from the riparian zone. Our results highlight the importance of the interplay between microtopography and groundwater level dynamics in the riparian zone for DOC export from headwater catchments.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=26466
Blaurock, K., Garthen, P., da Silva, M.P., Beudert, B., Gilfedder, B.S., Fleckenstein, J.H., Peiffer, S., Lechtenfeld, O.J., Hopp, L. (2022):
Riparian microtopography affects event-driven stream DOC concentrations and DOM quality in a forested headwater catchment
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeosci. 127 (12), e2022JG006831 10.1029/2022JG006831