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Quantification and characterization of the dynamics of spring and stream water systems in the Berchtesgaden Alps with a long-term stable isotope dataset

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Abstract

The understanding of alpine groundwater dynamics and the interactions with surface stream water is crucial for water resources research and management in mountain regions. In order to characterize local spring and stream water systems, samples at 8 springs, 5 stream gauges and bulk samples of precipitation at 4 sites were regularly collected between January 2012 and January 2016 in the Berchtesgaden Alps for stable water isotope analysis. The sampled hydro-systems are characterized by very different dynamics of the stable isotope signatures. To quantify those differences, we analyzed the stable isotope time series and calculated mean transit times (MTT) and young water fractions (YWF) of the sampled systems. Based on the data analysis, two groups of spring systems could be identified: one group with relatively short MTT (and high YWF) and another group with long MTT (and low YWF). The MTT and the YWF of the sampled streams were intermediate, respectively. The reaction of the sampled spring and stream systems to precipitation input was studied by lag time analysis. The average lag times revealed the influence of snow and ice melt for the hydrology in the study region. It was not possible to determine the recharge elevation of the spring and stream systems due to a lack of altitude effect in the precipitation data. For two catchments, the influence of the spring water stable isotopic composition on the streamflow was shown, highlighting the importance of the spring water for the river network in the study area.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the rangers of the Berchtesgaden National Park who carry out the water sampling in the study area. Furthermore, we thank Allison Kolar, Jan Schmieder, and Pirmin Steiner who prepared and analyzed the water samples in the Center of Isotopes (CSI) at KIT/IMK-IFU. Technical infrastructure from TERENO is also gratefully acknowledged. Finally, we cordially acknowledge “Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz” (StMUV) for funding (grant number TKP01KPB-66747) the co-author Michael Warscher.

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  1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research (KIT/IMK-IFU), Kreuzeckbahnstrasse 19, 82467, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

    Jakob Garvelmann, Michael Warscher & Harald Kunstmann

  2. National Park of Berchtesgaden, Doktorberg 6, 83471, Berchtesgaden, Germany

    Gabriele Leonhardt, Helmut Franz & Annette Lotz

  3. Institute of Geography, University of Augsburg, Alter Postweg 118, 86159, Augsburg, Germany

    Michael Warscher & Harald Kunstmann

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  1. Jakob Garvelmann
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  2. Michael Warscher
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  3. Gabriele Leonhardt
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Correspondence to Jakob Garvelmann.

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Garvelmann, J., Warscher, M., Leonhardt, G. et al. Quantification and characterization of the dynamics of spring and stream water systems in the Berchtesgaden Alps with a long-term stable isotope dataset. Environ Earth Sci 76, 766 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-7107-6

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