Abstract
Abstract. Ephemeral streamflow events have the potential to transport sediment and pollutants downstream, which, in predominently agricultural basins, is especially problematic. Despite the importance of ephemeral streamflow, the duration and timing of the events are characteristics that are rarely measured. Ephemeral streamflow sensors have been created in the past with varying degrees of success and this paper presents a solution which minimizes previous shortcomings in other designs. The design and setup of the sensor network in two agricultural basins, as well as considerations for data processing are explored in this paper with regard to monitoring ephemeral streamflow at high spatial and temporal resolutions.
Highlights
Streamflow mainly originates from groundwater sources and surface or near-surface runoff draining surrounding hillslopes
This study describes a novel sensor and monitoring network design for measuring stream flow timing and duration in ephemeral channels in Southern Ontario
The following conclusions can be drawn from this work: 1. State logging lessened the amount of noise in the data and the subjectivity in the interpretation of events when compared to previous attempts at measuring ephemeral streamflow using electrical resistance, while increasing the responsiveness to flow events and eliminating the need for per-sensor calibration
Summary
Streamflow mainly originates from groundwater sources and surface or near-surface runoff draining surrounding hillslopes. Runoff is frequently the greatest cause for concern because it plays the dominant role in flooding and sediment and pollutant transport (Arnell, 2002) It is the degree of hillslope-channel coupling within a drainage basin that often controls the character and quantity of water transported by its rivers. Ephemeral streams are important conveyances for water, sediment, nutrients, and pollutants These wet-weather features provide valuable habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species (Labbe and Fausch, 2000) and affect storm runoff (Poff et al, 1997). Our understanding of how stream length varies over a range of spatial and temporal scales is still quite limited (Wigington et al, 2005) This reflects the difficulty in observing the expansion/contraction of flowing streams over long periods at appropriate spatial and temporal resolutions
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