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Storage selection functions: A coherent framework for quantifying how catchments store and release water and solutes
Author(s) -
Rinaldo Andrea,
Benettin Paolo,
Harman Ciaran J.,
Hrachowitz Markus,
McGuire Kevin J.,
van der Velde Ype,
Bertuzzo Enrico,
Botter Gianluca
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1002/2015wr017273
Subject(s) - biogeochemical cycle , selection (genetic algorithm) , environmental science , residence time (fluid dynamics) , drainage basin , scale (ratio) , hydrology (agriculture) , computer science , water storage , geology , geography , ecology , geomorphology , machine learning , geotechnical engineering , cartography , inlet , biology
We discuss a recent theoretical approach combining catchment‐scale flow and transport processes into a unified framework. The approach is designed to characterize the hydrochemistry of hydrologic systems and to meet the challenges posed by empirical evidence. StorAge Selection functions (SAS) are defined to represent the way catchment storage supplies the outflows with water of different ages, thus regulating the chemical composition of out‐fluxes. Biogeochemical processes are also reflected in the evolving residence time distribution and thus in age‐selection. Here we make the case for the routine use of SAS functions and look forward to areas where further research is needed.