Project Z3

Ground based observations and experiments

Research areas: Geography

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Olaf Bubenzer, Prof. Dr. Georg Bareth

Project Info

Fig. 1: Schematic overview of various methods/monitoring equipment centralised by Z03 in close collaboration with Z02.

Sub-project Z03 centralises expertise and equipment for ground-based monitoring and field irrigation experiments. During the 1st phase of the CRC 1211, a network of 15 meteorological stations along E-W transects in the common focus areas of the CRC was established with A01 and Z02. In addition, two irrigation devices were designed by Z03 (device one 5mx2m; device two 0.75mx0.75m), and on-site artificial irrigation experiments were carried out within the framework of joint field campaigns with Z02 in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The experiments aimed at defining precipitation thresholds for surface runoff and hillslope dynamics (with C03 and B05) as well as initiating colloid down-soil transport (with B05).

In the 2^nd phase of the CRC, the major task of Z03 are the implementation of in-situ artificial precipitation experiments, which are essential for all B-projects and selected C-projects; joint field campaigns with these projects are scheduled for 2022-2023. In addition, both the observation of irrigation-induced processes and the understanding of natural geomorphological and/or biological processes requires a comprehensive system of ground-based monitoring techniques. This is centralised by Z03 as well and will include the use of time-lapse cameras, soil moisture sensors and the setup of seismometers. The acquisition of high-resolution topographical data using drone- or ground-based Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning as well as spectroradiometric measurements will be conducted together with Z02. Another 5 stationary meteorological stations will be erected to supplement the existing network, and non-stationary meteorological stations will additionally be installed for 1-2 years to complement process monitoring with on-site meteorological (e.g., local wind and air humidity) data. Further tasks will include the maintenance of all, and the installation of fog collectors and micro-lysimeters as well as upgrading of communication devices at selected stationary meteorological stations (with Z02 and project partners at UCN). The structural collaboration between Z02 and Z03 is central to both projects and will include joint field campaigns.