Dynamic runoff connectivity of overland flow on steep forested hillslopes: Scale effects and runoff transfer

Abstract

Both scaling effect and connectivity of overland flow were examined in steep hillslopes covered by (1) Japanese cypress (hinoki, Chamecyparis obtusa) plantations with sparse understory vegetation, (2) hinoki plantations with fern understory vegetation, and (3) deciduous forests. Two sizes of plots were installed for monitoring overland flow: small (0.5 × 2 m) and large hillslope scale (8 × 24–27 m). For all hillslopes, measurable amounts of overland flow occurred during storms. Runoff coefficients of large plots (0.1–3%) were consistently smaller than those of small plots (20–40%). Estimated runoff flow lengths at the hillslope scale were based on runoff coefficients from small plots and were used to calculate runoff volume from large plots. Then we compared the differences between observed and estimated runoff volumes of large plots. Estimated runoff from large plots was smaller than observed runoff in hinoki slopes with sparse understory vegetation. Greater amounts of observed compared to estimated overland flow suggest that more runoff occurred from hillslopes with sparse understory. In contrast, estimated overland flow was larger than observed runoff from the deciduous forest, implying greater opportunities for infiltration compared to hinoki hillslopes. Comparison of estimated versus observed overland flow for successive 5 min intervals during storms indicates that runoff networks expand upslope during short and intense precipitation periods. Our examination and comparison of storm runoff from small and large plots facilitate better understanding of runoff mechanisms, scaling effects in hillslopes, and connectivity of the overland flow network.