Journal article
A generalized Damköhler number for classifying material processing in hydrological systems
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, Vol.17(3), pp.1133-1148
2013
Abstract
Assessing the potential for transfer of pollutants and nutrients across catchments is of primary importance under changing land use and climate. Over the past decade the connectivity/disconnectivity dynamic of a catchment has been related to its potential to export material; however, we continue to use multiple definitions of connectivity, and most have focused strongly on physical (hydrological or hydraulic) connectivity. In contrast, this paper constantly focuses on the dynamic balance between transport and material transformation, and defines material connectivity as the effective transfer of material between elements of the hydrological cycle. The concept of exposure timescales is developed and used to define three distinct regimes: (i) which is hydrologically connected and transport is dominated by advection; (ii) which is hydrologically connected and transport is dominated by diffusion; and (iii) which is materially isolated. The ratio of exposure timescales to material processing timescales is presented as the non-dimensional number, NE, where NE is reaction-specific and allows estimation of relevant spatial scales over which the reactions of interest take place. Case studies within each regime provide examples of how NE can be used to characterise systems according to their sensitivity to shifts in hydrology and gain insight into the biogeochemical processes that are signficant under the specified conditions. Finally, we explore the implications of the NE framework for improved water management, and for our understanding of biodiversity, resilience and chemical competitiveness under specified conditions.
Details
- Title
- A generalized Damköhler number for classifying material processing in hydrological systems
- Authors/Creators
- C.E. Oldham (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaD.E. Farrow (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityS. Peiffer (Author/Creator) - University of Bayreuth
- Publication Details
- Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, Vol.17(3), pp.1133-1148
- Publisher
- European Geophysical Society
- Identifiers
- 991005546348607891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Information Technology
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- 8 Earth Sciences
- 8.140 Water Resources
- 8.140.450 Groundwater Modeling
- Web Of Science research areas
- Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
- Water Resources
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