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Published on: November 7, 2017
[Baseflow separation methods in hydrological process research: a review].
Lei-Lei Xu1, Jing-Lin Liu, Chang-Jie Jin
1State Key Laboratory of Forest and Soil Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China. xubingyi851208@163.com
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the Journal of Applied Ecology
|February 7, 2012
Summary
Baseflow separation is crucial in hydrology but lacks unified standards. This paper reviews methods, highlighting time series and isotopic approaches as efficient and less arbitrary alternatives for hydrological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology and Ecohydrology
- Water Resource Management
Context:
- Baseflow separation is a critical yet challenging aspect of hydrological and ecohydrological studies.
- A lack of standardized concepts and methodologies hinders consistent baseflow analysis.
Purpose:
- To introduce the fundamental theories of baseflow separation, defining its components.
- To analyze the historical development and evolution of various baseflow separation techniques.
- To compare the strengths and limitations of different baseflow separation methods.
Summary:
- The paper reviews baseflow separation techniques, including graphical, balance, time series, and isotopic methods.
- Graphical methods are simple but subjective, while balance methods are mechanistically sound but complex to apply.
- Time series and isotopic methods offer efficient and objective alternatives, overcoming the arbitrariness of graphical approaches.
- Modern approaches increasingly utilize hydrological modeling, digital filtering, and isotopic analysis for accurate baseflow determination.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview to guide researchers in selecting appropriate baseflow separation methods.
- Contributes to establishing clearer standards and understanding in baseflow research.
- Enhances the accuracy and reliability of hydrological and ecohydrological assessments through improved baseflow analysis.
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