Ecohydrology 2.0.

Area of Science:

• Ecohydrology
• Hydrology
• Geomorphology
• Ecology

Background:

• Ecohydrology is an emerging interdisciplinary field.
• Its scope has traditionally been limited to the critical zone.
• This paper reviews existing research and proposes an expanded definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the domain of ecohydrology.
• To broaden the perspective on hydrologic controls on biota.
• To establish the fluvial catchment as the fundamental control volume.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of related topics and contributions.
• Analysis of the interdisciplinary connections between hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology.
• Conceptual framework development.

Main Results:

• The study of hydrologic controls on biota is broader than previously considered.
• The fluvial catchment provides a unifying framework for ecohydrology.
• A broadened perspective is supported by existing materials and methods.

Conclusions:

• Ecohydrology should be firmly centered on the fluvial catchment.
• This broadened definition encompasses a wider range of hydrologic-biota interactions.
• The proposed definition offers a more comprehensive understanding of the discipline.