Articles | Volume 21, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1149-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1149-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
23 Feb 2017
Research article |
| 23 Feb 2017
River water quality changes in New Zealand over 26 years: response to land use intensity
Jason P. Julian
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Geography, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX,
USA
Landscape &
Land Use Change Institute (LLUCI), University of Oklahoma and Texas State
University, Oklahoma, Texas, USA
Kirsten M. de Beurs
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, The
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
Landscape &
Land Use Change Institute (LLUCI), University of Oklahoma and Texas State
University, Oklahoma, Texas, USA
Braden Owsley
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, The
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
Landscape &
Land Use Change Institute (LLUCI), University of Oklahoma and Texas State
University, Oklahoma, Texas, USA
Robert J. Davies-Colley
National Institute of
Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Hamilton, New Zealand
Anne-Gaelle E. Ausseil
Landcare Research, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Related subject area
Subject: Rivers and Lakes | Techniques and Approaches: Theory development
Rediscovering Robert E. Horton's lake evaporation formulae: new directions for evaporation physics
Ionic aluminium concentrations exceed thresholds for aquatic health in Nova Scotian rivers, even during conditions of high dissolved organic carbon and low flow
Turbulence in the stratified boundary layer under ice: observations from Lake Baikal and a new similarity model
Changing suspended sediment in United States rivers and streams: linking sediment trends to changes in land use/cover, hydrology and climate
Freshwater pearl mussels from northern Sweden serve as long-term, high-resolution stream water isotope recorders
Integrating network topology metrics into studies of catchment-level effects on river characteristics
Estimating the effect of rainfall on the surface temperature of a tropical lake
Toward a conceptual framework of hyporheic exchange across spatial scales
HESS Opinions: Science in today's media landscape – challenges and lessons from hydrologists and journalists
A review of current and possible future human–water dynamics in Myanmar's river basins
A century-scale, human-induced ecohydrological evolution of wetlands of two large river basins in Australia (Murray) and China (Yangtze)
An index of floodplain surface complexity
Hydroclimatological influences on recently increased droughts in China's largest freshwater lake
Quantitative analysis of biogeochemically controlled density stratification in an iron-meromictic lake
Reconstruction of flood events based on documentary data and transnational flood risk analysis of the Upper Rhine and its French and German tributaries since AD 1480
A methodological approach of estimating resistance to flow under unsteady flow conditions
Quantitative historical hydrology in Europe
Quantifying groundwater dependence of a sub-polar lake cluster in Finland using an isotope mass balance approach
Variations in quantity, composition and grain size of Changjiang sediment discharging into the sea in response to human activities
The KULTURisk Regional Risk Assessment methodology for water-related natural hazards – Part 1: Physical–environmental assessment
The use of taxation records in assessing historical floods in South Moravia, Czech Republic
New method for assessing the susceptibility of glacial lakes to outburst floods in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Dissolved and particulate nutrient transport dynamics of a small Irish catchment: the River Owenabue
Water balance of selected floodplain lake basins in the Middle Bug River valley
Winter stream temperature in the rain-on-snow zone of the Pacific Northwest: influences of hillslope runoff and transient snow cover
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A novel approach to analysing the regimes of temporary streams in relation to their controls on the composition and structure of aquatic biota
Mass transport of contaminated soil released into surface water by landslides (Göta River, SW Sweden)
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Solomon Vimal and Vijay P. Singh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 445–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-445-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-445-2022, 2022
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Evaporation from open water is a well-studied problem in hydrology. Robert E. Horton, unknown to most investigators on the subject, studied it in great detail by conducting experiments and relating them to physical laws. His work furthered known theories of lake evaporation but was not recognized. This is unfortunate because it performs better than five variously complex methods across scales (local to continental; 30 min–2 months) and seems quite relevant for climate-change-era problems.
Shannon M. Sterling, Sarah MacLeod, Lobke Rotteveel, Kristin Hart, Thomas A. Clair, Edmund A. Halfyard, and Nicole L. O'Brien
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4763–4775, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4763-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4763-2020, 2020
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Wild salmon numbers in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been plummeting in recent decades. In 2014, we launched an ionic aluminium monitoring program in Nova Scotia to see if this toxic element was a threat to salmon populations. We found that all 10 monitored rivers had ionic aluminium concentrations that exceeded the threshold for aquatic health. Our results demonstrate that elevated aluminium still threatens aquatic ecosystems and that delays in recovery from acid rain remains a critical issue.
Georgiy Kirillin, Ilya Aslamov, Vladimir Kozlov, Roman Zdorovennov, and Nikolai Granin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1691–1708, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1691-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1691-2020, 2020
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We found that heat transported from Lake Baikal to its ice cover is up to 10 times higher than traditionally assumed and strongly affects the ice melting. The heat is transported by under-ice currents on the background of a strong temperature gradient between the ice base and warmer waters beneath. To parameterize this newly quantified transport mechanism, an original boundary layer model was developed. The results are crucial for understanding seasonal ice dynamics on lakes and marginal seas.
Jennifer C. Murphy
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 991–1010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-991-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-991-2020, 2020
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Between 1992 and 2012, concentrations of suspended sediment decreased at about 60 % of 137 US stream sites, with increases at only 17 % of sites. Sediment trends were primarily attributed to changes in land management, but streamflow changes also contributed to these trends at > 50 % of sites. At many sites, decreases in sediment occurred despite small-to-moderate increases in the amount of anthropogenic land use, suggesting sediment reduction activities across the US may be seeing some success.
Bernd R. Schöne, Aliona E. Meret, Sven M. Baier, Jens Fiebig, Jan Esper, Jeffrey McDonnell, and Laurent Pfister
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 673–696, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-673-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-673-2020, 2020
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We present the first annually resolved stable isotope record (1819–1998) from shells of Swedish river mussels. Data reflect hydrological processes in the catchment and changes in the isotope value of local precipitation. The latter is related to the origin of moisture from which precipitation formed (North Atlantic or the Arctic) and governed by large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Results help to better understand climate dynamics and constrain ecological changes in river ecosystems.
Eleanore L. Heasley, Nicholas J. Clifford, and James D. A. Millington
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2305–2319, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2305-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2305-2019, 2019
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River network structure is an overlooked feature of catchments. We demonstrate that network structure impacts broad spatial patterns of river characteristics in catchments using regulatory data. River habitat quality increased with network density, but other characteristics responded differently between study catchments. Network density was quantified using a method that can easily be applied to any catchment. We suggest that river network structure should be included in catchment-level studies.
Gabriel Gerard Rooney, Nicole van Lipzig, and Wim Thiery
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 6357–6369, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6357-2018, 2018
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This paper uses a unique observational dataset of a tropical African lake (L. Kivu) to assess the effect of rain on lake surface temperature. Data from 4 years were categorised by daily rain amount and total net radiation to show that heavy rain may reduce the end-of-day lake temperature by about 0.3 K. This is important since lake surface temperature may influence local weather on short timescales, but the effect of rain on lake temperature has been little studied or parametrised previously.
Chiara Magliozzi, Robert C. Grabowski, Aaron I. Packman, and Stefan Krause
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 6163–6185, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6163-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6163-2018, 2018
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The hyporheic zone is the area below riverbeds where surfacewater and groundwater mix. Hyporheic flow is linked to river processes and functions, but research to date has not sufficiently addressed how factors operating at different scales in time and space drive hyporheic flow variations at reach and larger scales. This review presents the scale-specific processes and interactions that control hyporheic flow, and a case study showing how valley factors affect its expression at the reach scale.
Stefanie R. Lutz, Andrea Popp, Tim van Emmerik, Tom Gleeson, Liz Kalaugher, Karsten Möbius, Tonie Mudde, Brett Walton, Rolf Hut, Hubert Savenije, Louise J. Slater, Anna Solcerova, Cathelijne R. Stoof, and Matthias Zink
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3589–3599, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3589-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3589-2018, 2018
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Media play a key role in the communication between scientists and the general public. However, the interaction between scientists and journalists is not always straightforward. In this opinion paper, we present insights from hydrologists and journalists into the benefits, aftermath and potential pitfalls of science–media interaction. We aim to encourage scientists to participate in the diverse and evolving media landscape, and we call on the scientific community to support scientists who do so.
Linda Taft and Mariele Evers
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4913–4928, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4913-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4913-2016, 2016
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The country of Myanmar and its abundant water resources are facing major challenges due to political and economic reforms, massive investments from neighbouring countries and climate change impacts. Publications on current and future impacts from human activities and climate change on Myanmar's river basins have been reviewed in order to gain an overview of the key drivers in these human–water dynamics. The review reveals the relevance of this information with regard to human–water interactions.
Giri R. Kattel, Xuhui Dong, and Xiangdong Yang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2151–2168, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2151-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2151-2016, 2016
M. W. Scown, M. C. Thoms, and N. R. De Jager
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 431–441, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-431-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-431-2016, 2016
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An index of floodplain surface complexity is developed in this paper and applied to eight floodplains from different geographic settings. Floodplain width and sediment yield were associated with the index or with sub-indicators, whereas hydrology was not. These findings suggest that valley and sediment conditions are important determinants of floodplain surface complexity, and these should complement hydrology as a focus of floodplain research and management.
Y. Liu and G. Wu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 93–107, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-93-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-93-2016, 2016
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Lake droughts result in significant hydrological, ecological and economic consequences. This study proposes approaches for quantifying the lake drought features and estimating the contributions from individual factors, taking China’s largest freshwater lake as a case examination. Our results showed that the recently increased lake droughts were due to hydroclimatic effects, with less important contributions from the water impoundments of the world’s largest dam affecting the lake outflows.
E. Nixdorf and B. Boehrer
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 4505–4515, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4505-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4505-2015, 2015
I. Himmelsbach, R. Glaser, J. Schoenbein, D. Riemann, and B. Martin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 4149–4164, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4149-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4149-2015, 2015
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The article presents a long-term analysis of flood occurrence along the southern part of the Upper Rhine River system and of 14 of its tributaries in France and Germany since 1480 BC. Special focus is given to temporal and spatial variations of flood events and their underlying meteorological causes over time, knowledge about the historical aspects of flood protection and flood vulnerability, while comparing selected historical and modern extreme events, establishing a common evaluation scheme.
M. M. Mrokowska, P. M. Rowiński, and M. B. Kalinowska
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 4041–4053, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4041-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4041-2015, 2015
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This paper presents evaluation of resistance parameters: friction slope, friction velocity and Manning coefficient in unsteady flow. Theoretical description is facilitated with the analysis of field data from artificial dam-break flood waves in a small lowland watercourse. The methodology to enhance the evaluation of resistance by relations derived from flow equations is proposed. The study shows the Manning coefficient is less sensitive to simplified relations than other parameters.
G. Benito, R. Brázdil, J. Herget, and M. J. Machado
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3517–3539, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3517-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3517-2015, 2015
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Historical hydrology combines documentary data with hydrological methods to lengthen flow records to the past centuries. We describe the methodological evolution of historical hydrology under the influence of developments in hydraulics and statistics. Analysis of 45 case studies in Europe show that present flood magnitudes are not unusual in the context of the past, whereas flood frequency has decreased, although some rivers show a reactivation of rare floods over the last two decades.
E. Isokangas, K. Rozanski, P. M. Rossi, A.-K. Ronkanen, and B. Kløve
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 1247–1262, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1247-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1247-2015, 2015
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An iterative isotope mass balance approach was used to quantify the groundwater dependence of 67 kettle lakes and ponds. A quantitative measure for the dependence of a lake on groundwater (G index) introduced in this study revealed generally large groundwater dependency among the lakes. The isotope mass balance approach proved to be especially useful when the groundwater reliance of lakes situated in a relatively small area with similar climatic conditions needs to be determined.
J. H. Gao, J. Jia, Y. P. Wang, Y. Yang, J. Li, F. Bai, X. Zou, and S. Gao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 645–655, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-645-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-645-2015, 2015
P. Ronco, V. Gallina, S. Torresan, A. Zabeo, E. Semenzin, A. Critto, and A. Marcomini
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 5399–5414, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5399-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5399-2014, 2014
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This paper proposes a methodology, shaped by the EU Flood Directive, for the integrated assessment of flood risk at the regional scale for multiple receptors (i.e. people, economic activities, natural and semi-natural systems and cultural heritage) based on the subsequent assessment of hazards, exposure and vulnerability. By means of MCDA and GIS tools, it supports the ranking of the area, sub-areas and hotspots at risk, in order to evaluate the benefits of different risk prevention scenarios.
R. Brázdil, K. Chromá, L. Řezníčková, H. Valášek, L. Dolák, Z. Stachoň, E. Soukalová, and P. Dobrovolný
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3873–3889, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3873-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3873-2014, 2014
A. Emmer and V. Vilímek
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3461–3479, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3461-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3461-2014, 2014
S. T. Harrington and J. R. Harrington
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 2191–2200, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2191-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2191-2014, 2014
J. Dawidek and B. Ferencz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1457–1465, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1457-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1457-2014, 2014
J. A. Leach and R. D. Moore
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 819–838, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-819-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-819-2014, 2014
M. Pan and E. F. Wood
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4577–4588, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4577-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4577-2013, 2013
T. R. Jackson, R. Haggerty, and S. V. Apte
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 2747–2779, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2747-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2747-2013, 2013
G. Göransson, M. Larson, and D. Bendz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 2529–2542, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2529-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2529-2013, 2013
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 3165–3182, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3165-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3165-2012, 2012
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 1879–1893, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-1879-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-1879-2012, 2012
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 2629–2642, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-2629-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-2629-2010, 2010
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 1321–1330, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1321-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1321-2010, 2010
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Short summary
New Zealand is a natural laboratory for investigating water quality responses to land use intensity because it has one of the highest rates of agricultural intensification globally over recent decades. We interpreted water quality state and trends (1989–2014) of 77 river sites across NZ. We show that the greatest long-term negative impacts on river water quality have been increased cattle densities and legacy nutrients from intensively managed grasslands and plantation forests.
New Zealand is a natural laboratory for investigating water quality responses to land use...
