The Surface Hydrology and Erosion group is oriented towards the study of the hydrological dynamics of Mediterranean mountain areas using a multidisciplinary and multiple-scale approach. Several aspects of the hydrological cycle are investigated, utilising the Vallcebre Research Catchments (NE Spain) as a field laboratory to observe, quantify and model hydrological processes at the plot and catchment scale. The role of forests on hydrological processes and balances, the societal challenges induced by intense erosion processes and the regime of temporary rivers are among the main research subjects studied by this unit.
- Ecohydrology
- Ecohydrological research in the Vallcebre research catchments started, 20 years ago, with the quantification and modelling of both rainfall interception and evapotranspiration of representative Mediterranean forest. Ongoing investigations focus on the study of: (a) the effect of spatial and temporal variability of throughfall on the variability of soil moisture, (b) the role of stemflow as a hotspot of preferential flow and (c) the spatio-temporal variability of throughfall and stemflow isotopic composition in relation with atmospheric conditions and rainfall characteristics.
- Hydrological changes
- This research line started with the assessment of the effects of climate variability and land use and cover changes on the flow response, in a range of medium-sized catchments (up to few thousands km2). Recently, we developed a new investigations related with the effect of forest management practices, carried out in the Vallcebre research catchments, on the hydrological response and groundwater recharge dynamics.
- Rainfall-runoff dynamics and runoff processes
- In the Vallcebre research catchments, the rainfall-runoff dynamics and runoff generation processes have been studied since 1989, using a hydrometric approach, and environmental tracers (since 2011). Ongoing investigations are focused on improving our understanding of the spatio-temporal variability of the hydrological response and of the dynamics of water fluxes and residence times at the plot and catchment scale. We also combined empirical and modelling approaches at different spatio-temporal scales in order to test hydrological models in Mediterranean conditions and to investigate the hydrological functioning of Mediterranean headwater catchments and their potential alteration due to future land-use and climate changes.
- Soil erosion
- Vallcebre is internationally recognized as a reference site for badland research, particularly under montane Mediterranean conditions, where the occurrence and dynamics of these highly erosive landforms are driven by the combined biological and geomorphic effects of winter freezing and intense rainstorms in summer. The large spatiotemporal variations of erosion and basin sediment transport rates justify the importance on long-term studies on these processes.
- Temporary rivers
- The aquatic life in temporary stream reaches is strongly dependent on the temporal changes of the aquatic habitats, determined by the hydrological conditions. This axis is done within the multi-disciplinary consolidated research group FEHM (Freshwater Ecology and Management lab). This is providing the European River Basin Authorities and relevant stakeholders with advice and operational tools for sound implementation of the Water Framework Directive to this kind of water bodies.
CONACAN
Conservación de la biodiversidad acuática en los Parques Nacionales de las Islas Canarias en un contexto de estrés hídrico y especies invasoras
Freshwater biodiversity is disappearing at an accelerated rate as a result of human activities. This situation is especially alarming in regions of the planet where water scarcity derived from human demand and climate change pose a risk to a large number of species. This can even lead to the loss of species that have not yet been described. In this context, protected areas play a fundamental role as reservoirs of biodiversity, which needs to be properly studied to guarantee its preservation. This project focuses on the aquatic biodiversity of three National Parks of the Canary Islands archipelago (Teide, Garajonay and Caldera de Taburiente), which is especially interesting for three reasons: 1) it is poorly described due to the lack of inventories and studies scientists; 2) it includes a large number of endemisms; and 3) it presents a great vulnerability to water scarcity. The objectives of the project are to:
1) Hydrologically characterize the main surface water bodies;
2) Generate basic information on the taxonomic and genetic diversity of the communities of aquatic insects and diatoms;
3) Evaluate the current status of aquatic invasive species;
4) Determine the vulnerability of the species to climate change; and
5) Identify priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity and for the management of invasive species in a context of water stress and climate change.
Among other things, the CONACAN project will serve to design a sampling network for aquatic biodiversity within the parks studied, to train park personnel in its study and conservation, and to propose conservation
measures for biodiversity and the management of invasive species.