Advancing ecohydrology in the 21st century: A convergence of opportunities

Andrew J. Guswa, Doerthe Tetzlaff, John S. Selker, Darryl E. Carlyle-Moses, Elizabeth W. Boyer, Michael Bruen, Carles Cayuela, Irena F. Creed, Nick van de Giesen, Domenico Grasso, More Authors

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)
56 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Nature-based solutions for water-resource challenges require advances in the science of ecohydrology. Current understanding is limited by a shortage of observations and theories that can further our capability to synthesize complex processes across scales ranging from submillimetres to tens of kilometres. Recent developments in environmental sensing, data, and modelling have the potential to drive rapid improvements in ecohydrological understanding. After briefly reviewing advances in sensor technologies, this paper highlights how improved measurements and modelling can be applied to enhance understanding of the following ecohydrological examples: interception and canopy processes, root uptake and critical zone processes, and up-scaled effects of land use on streamflow. Novel and improved sensors will enable new questions and experiments, while machine learning and empirical methods provide additional opportunities to advance science. The synergy resulting from the convergence of these parallel developments will provide new insight into ecohydrological processes and thereby help identify nature-based solutions to address water-resource challenges in the 21st century.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2208
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalEcohydrology
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • critical zone processes
  • environmental sensing
  • interception
  • land use
  • machine learning
  • measurement
  • modelling
  • streamflow

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Advancing ecohydrology in the 21st century: A convergence of opportunities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this