Study of runoff generation on hillslopes using tracer experiments and a physically-based numerical hillslope model

Washington D.C.

1998

S. 353-360

6 Abb., 3 Tab., 9 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

153576

Artificial rainfall and tracer experiments were conducted on two hillslope sites to identify runoff processes and to test a double porosity physically-based numerical hillslope model (QSOIL). The results show good agreement between the measured and the predicted runoff components, matric potential and water content. The spatial and temporal behaviour of the differ-system, resulting in bypass flow, and as the major contributing region for surface flow a highly permeable structured A horizon were attributed to one hillslope site. In contrast, the soil of the other site showed a bimodal poresize distribution, assumed to be a combination of mesopores and micropores developed by plant roots, and resulting in a higher subsurface flow response.