ABSTRACT
Simple and robust hydrological modelling is critical for peat studies as water content (θ) and water table depth (dWT) are key controls on many biogeochemical processes. We show that near-surface θ can be a good predictor of θ at any depth and/or dWT in peat. This was achieved by further developing the formulae of an existing model and applying it for Mer Bleue bog (Ontario, Canada) and a permafrost peat plateau at Scotty Creek (Northwest Territories, Canada). Simulated θ dynamics at various depths in hummocks and hollows at both sites matched observations with R2, Willmott’s index of agreement (d), and normalized Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NNSE), reaching 0.97, 0.95, and 0.86, respectively. Simulated bog WT dynamics matched observations with R2, d, and NNSE reaching 0.67, 0.87, and 0.72. Our approach circumvents the difficulties of measuring subsurface hydrology and reveals a perspective for large spatial scale estimation of θ and dWT in peat.
Editor A. Fiori; Associate Editor M. Rahman
Editor A. Fiori; Associate Editor M. Rahman
Acknowledgements
Field and lab data were collected with funding from Canadian Carbon Program and Fluxnet Canada Research Network, Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, BIOCAP Canada, Canada Research Chairs, Canada Foundation for Innovation Leaders Opportunity Fund, ArcticNet, and with the support of Liidlii Kue and Jean-Marie River First Nations. The authors are thankful to Mr Gabriel Gosselin and Ms Maude Auclair for their technical assistance in preparing the data.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.