| Volumes and Issues Contents of Issue 2 Special Issue |
www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/6/1769/2009/
© Author(s) 2009. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
The artificial water catchment "Chicken Creek" as an observatory for critical zone processes and structures
1Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Research Center Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes, Cottbus, Germany
2Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Chair of Soil Protection and Recultivation, Cottbus, Germany
3Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Chair of Hydrology and Water Resources Management, Cottbus, Germany
4German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ, Potsdam, Germany
Abstract. In order to better understand the processes of the "Critical Zone" investigations are mainly carried out in watersheds as they represent parts of the landscape having more or less defined outlines. However, natural watersheds must, in some cases, be characterized as "black boxes" with respect to e.g. structures in the underground or catchment boundaries which are generally unknown and need great efforts to be explored. Artificially created watersheds might, thus, be an appropriate alternative as boundaries and inner structures can be planned and defined in advance. This paper presents a recently launched project dealing with the initial phase of ecosystem development with a man-made catchment as central research site. The research site has an area of 6 ha and can be regarded as one of the largest artificial watersheds developed for scientific purposes worldwide. It was completed in 2005 and left for an unrestricted ecosystem succession. This paper introduces the creation and main properties of this site as well as first results of an ongoing monitoring program.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 924 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 5 Comments)
Citation: Gerwin, W., Raab, T., Biemelt, D., Bens, O., and Hüttl, R. F.: The artificial water catchment "Chicken Creek" as an observatory for critical zone processes and structures, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., 6, 1769-1795, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager
