The concept of hydrological connectivity and its contribution to understanding runoff‐dominated geomorphic systems |
| |
| Authors: | Louise J Bracken Jacky Croke |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Geography, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;2. Neé Bull.;3. School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, UNSW@ADFA, Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia |
| |
| Abstract: | The term ‘connectivity’ is increasingly being applied in hydrological and geomorphological studies. Relevant research encompasses aspects of landscape connectivity, hydrological connectivity and sedimentological connectivity. Unlike other disciplines, notably ecology, published studies show no consensus on a standard definition. This paper provides an overview of how existing research relates to the concept of connectivity in both ecology and hydrology by proposing and evaluating a conceptual model of hydrological connectivity that includes five major components: climate; hillslope runoff potential; landscape position; delivery pathway and lateral connectivity. We also evaluate a proposed measure of connectivity called the volume to breakthrough to quantify changing connectivity between different environments and catchments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
| |
| Keywords: | connectivity runoff generation hillslope catchment volume to breakthrough roads |
|
|
