Hydrologic Mixing Models.ppt

Hydrologic Mixing Models Ken Hill Andrew McFadden Mixing Method -25‰ snow -20‰ -15‰ groundwater -18‰ Streamflow should be a mixture of these components. The quantity from each component is predicted by the mixing model. 2-Component Mixing Model Mass Balance Equations Qp + Qe = QT QpCp + QeCe = QTCT Qe/QT = fe = (CT-Cp) / (Ce – Cp) Assumptions Tracers are conservative Components have significantly different isotopic composition Isotopic content of each component is temporally constant or its variation is known Isotopic content of each component is spatially constant Unmeasured components are not significant Counterpoint (Burns, 2002) Stormflow-hydrology separation based on isotopes: the thrill is gone- what’s next? Mixing models based on assumptions and if not all assumptions are met how valid are the results? There is a high degree of uncertainty What if there are more than two components contributing to steam isotope composition? Results for small forested catchments were confirmed numerous times while catchments in other climate zones are untested Suggests mixing models just another tool When coupled with other hydrologic models, mixing models will continue to contribute to hydrology in the future Determination of hydrologic pathways during snowmelt for alpine/subalpine basins, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoSueker et al., 2000 Water Resources Research. Overview Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and acid pulse from snowmelt. Alpine systems Poorly developed soils Short flowpaths Steep Buffered by: Displaced subsurface water Reactive pathways Methods 6 catchments in RMNP 1994 water year. Field methods Hydrograph Separation Models Unreacted vs. Reacted (tracer = sodium) Pre-event vs. Event (tracer = δ18O) Three component mixing model used with both tracers Results Unreacted/Event/ Meltwater contributions greatest from May-July. Boulder Brook has a high reacted/pre-event component 2-Component mixing model is violated when δ18Ostream δ18Ope Rain is