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  • Quantifying the effects of urban green space on water partitioning and ages using an isotope-based ecohydrological model
Title: Quantifying the effects of urban green space on water partitioning and ages using an isotope-based ecohydrological model
Abstract. The acceleration of urbanization requires sustainable, adaptive management strategies for land and water use in cities. Although the effects of buildings and sealed surfaces on urban runoff generation and local climate are well known, much less is known about the role of water partitioning in urban green spaces. In particular, little is quantitatively known about how different vegetation types of urban green spaces (lawns, parks, woodland, etc.) regulate partitioning of precipitation into evaporation, transpiration and groundwater recharge and how this partitioning is affected by sealed surfaces. Here, we integrated field observations with advanced, isotope-based ecohydrological modelling at a plot-scale site in Berlin, Germany. Soil moisture and sap flow, together with stable isotopes in precipitation, soil water and groundwater recharge, were measured over the course of one growing season under three generic types of urban green space: trees, shrub and grass. Additionally, an eddy flux tower at the site continuously collected hydroclimate data. These data have been used as input and for calibration of the process-based ecohydrological model EcH2O-iso. The model tracks stable isotope ratios and water ages in various stores (e.g. soils and groundwater) and fluxes (evaporation, transpiration and recharge). Green water fluxes in evapotranspiration increased in the order shrub (381±1mm)  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1633831
PAR ID:
10278906
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Volume:
25
Issue:
6
ISSN:
1607-7938
Page Range / eLocation ID:
3635 to 3652
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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