WP2 Riparian lowlands

WP-leader: Charlotte Kjærgaard

Riparian lowlands can have a significant impact on the catchment nutrient balance. The subsurface architecture in riparian lowlands is often complex, resulting in complex local-scale flow patterns and unevenly distributed redox conditions and thereby reaction rates for reduction of nitrate. Lack of knowledge on the subsurface architecture and its connection to local and regional upland flow systems, the impact of drainage network density, SW-GW interactions, and the biogeochemical complexity limit the accuracy of estimating the effectiveness of riparian lowlands in removing nitrate. In TReNDS scientists will work with the following two hypotheses:

Hypothesis C: Improved understanding of subsurface architecture supporting the identification of major flow pathways can be obtained by applying new low-cost high resolution proximal and remote soil and water sensors.

Hypothesis D: Improved understanding of spatio-temporal N reaction rates in riparian lowlands, including the impact of drainage network density, can be obtained by combining knowledge of sediment characteristics with knowledge on local scale flow pathways and hydrological modelling.

A monitoring transect in the riparian lowland in Fensholt catchment.

Photo by: Anne Lausten Hansen

A core sample from the riparian lowland in Fensholt catchment.

Photo by: Rasmus Jes Petersen