Modern meteorological observational data represent important background information for all subprojects of the CRC 1211, and a number of CRC subprojects rely on data acquired from further ground-based (Z03) and remote observations (Z02). Subproject Z03 centralizes expertise and equipment for ground-based monitoring and field irrigation experiments.

During the 1^st and 2^nd phases of the CRC 1211, a network of 20 stationary meteorological stations along E‑W transects in the common focus areas of the CRC was established together with Z02 and in agreement with suggestions of A01. Fog-collectors were added to some of these stations during the 2^nd CRC phase in order to quantify fog occurrence and fog water yields along these transects. In addition, Z03 now also operates 9 mobile meteorological stations, partly equipped with fog collectors as well, at the study sites of sub-projects B01 and B02 in order to provide on-site meteorological data for project-specific research questions. First meteorological data in collaboration with these subprojects were collected, and sediment analyses from the respective sites (e.g., Tillandsia fields) were carried out.

Finally, two irrigation devices were designed by Z03 (device one 5mx2m; device two 0.75mx0.75m), and on-site artificial irrigation experiments were successfully carried out within the framework of joint field campaigns during the 1^st and 2^nd CRC phases (e.g., May et al., 2020). In August 2023, an irrigation experiment was carried out in cooperation with subprojects B02, B04 and B08 north of Paposo in order to provoke ecosystem response to different precipitation amounts and to define thresholds for reactivation of life as observed, e.g., due to El Niño-related rainfall periods. In the 3^rd CRC phase, Z03 will

1. continue the operation and maintenance of all, and the relocation of the mobile weather stations,
2. (accompany the transfer of the stationary stations to local partners,
3. carry out extensive Tillandsia- and Huidobria-related ground-based measurements (weather data inc. fog, soil moisture, sand dynamics), and (iv) conduct and develop further irrigation experiments in cooperation with the several other CRC subprojects.

Ground based observations and experiments

Research areas: Geography

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

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.

Fig. 2: Using the large irrigation device on a zebra stripe-covered hillslope at the Paposo fault.

Fig. 3: Sampling after irrigation with the small irrigation device together with subproject B05 in 2019.

Ground based observations and experiments

Research areas: Geography

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

Schematic overview of various methods provided and utilised in subprojects Z02, Z03 and C03. Figure: Lennart Meine, Markus Forbriger

Most CRC subprojects rely on data acquired from the central service projects Z2 and Z3, which bundle expertise and equipment for ground-based monitoring and remote-sensing data, and which will be responsible for data processing and analyses. A number of subprojects will benefit from on-site artificial irrigation experiments, which will be carried out within the framework of Z3.

In addition, Z3 will be in charge of maintaining up to 15 meteorological stations, which will be installed in each of the three CRC focus areas along transects from west to east. These stations will provide essential climatic data for all CRC subprojects and our Chilean partners. Due to decadal climatic variations in the region (e.g. El Niño-Southern Oscillation, ENSO), they are designed to provide climatic data for a minimum of 12 years, i.e. the envisaged duration of the CRC, exceeding the time span of most other projects. To achieve standardized data acquisition and post-processing, Z3 will work in close cooperation with Z2 and with other data-receiving projects throughout the CRC.

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Patricio Raul Arias Ortiz (Antofagasta/Coquimbo)
Logistical and technical support, construction and installation of protective fences around stationary meteorological stations (CRC phase 1 and 2), construction of fog collectors (CRC phase 2).