Variability of transit time distributions with climate and topography: A modelling approach

摘要: Abstract The time that rainfall takes to reach the outlet of a catchment as discharge (transit time) is fundamental and integrated measure hydrological processes solute transport mechanisms. As such, many efforts have been dedicated its understanding quantification. However, defining ranking which factors, internal external system, control distributions transit still an open challenge. Here, we develop two-stage approach explore climate topography controls on time, using fully distributed model coupled with component. Specifically, apply two synthetic topographies under five observed regimes. With this setup, water fluxes from years daily events are singularly tracked across catchments then derive fraction young for each combination climate. Results highlight considerable variability times in all climates pronounced effect within given They further reveal wet it possible define curve describing function cumulative only depends topographic properties. On contrary, dry much larger not amenable simple summary. Despite simplifications, quantitative model-based inferences useful better understand how affect functioning.