Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of storm damage on the runoff generation in two sub-catchments of the Sperbelgraben, Swiss Emmental

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
European Journal of Forest Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The project “Lothar and Mountain Torrents” investigates the effect of storm-originated deforestation on the hydrology on three scales within the Sperbelgraben catchment (Swiss Prealps). This article focuses on runoff measurements during a 3-year period in two differently affected sub-catchments (≈2 ha) and on 2-year surface runoff measurements on smaller plots (50–110 m2). The link between these two scales and the results of irrigation experiments on 1 m2 areas are interpreted using a detailed map of forest site types describing soil and vegetation characteristics. Plot results show that surface runoff is generated in two distinct ways. On the one hand, high amounts of saturation overland flow were observed on wet areas of gleyic soils. On the other hand, hardly any surface runoff was measured on Cambisols, with the exception of a short hydrophobic reaction at the beginning of storms occurring on areas with a thick organic litter layer (temporary Hortonian overland flow). On the long term, the lightly damaged sub-catchment (SC1) yields less runoff than the highly damaged one (SC2). This is confirmed when direct runoff volumes during flood events are considered. However, short and intensive showers surprisingly lead to higher discharge peaks in SC1. This occurrence is explained by different geomorphologic characteristics (mainly the channel density) and the spatial distribution of the moist to wet forest site types. Effects of deforestation and local soil compaction due to forest clearing remain small on both plot and sub-catchment scale.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Badoux A, Hegg C, Kienholz H, Weingartner R (2002) Investigations on the influence of storm caused damage on the runoff formation and erosion in small torrent catchments. In: Proceedings of the international conference on flood estimation, Bern, CHR Report II-17:39–47

  • Badoux A, Ilg H, Hegg C, Witzig J, Kienholz H, Weingartner R (2004) To what extent does storm induced deforestation influence runoff formation? Results from a comparative study in two small torrent catchments. In: Congress publication of the interpraevent 2004, Riva del Garda, vol 1(II), pp 1–12

  • Badoux A, Witzig J, Germann PF, Kienholz H, Lüscher P, Weingartner R, Hegg C (2005) Investigations on the runoff generation at the profile and plot scale, Swiss Emmental. Hydrol Processes (in press)

  • Beschta RL, Pyles MR, Skaugset AE, Surfleet CG (2000) Peakflow responses to forest practices in the western cascades of Oregon, USA. J Hydrol 233:102–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bosch JM, Hewlett JD (1982) A review of catchment experiments to determine the effect of vegetation changes on water yield and evapotranspiration. J Hydrol 55:3–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burch GJ, Moore ID, Burns J (1989) Soil hydrophobic effects on infiltration and catchment runoff. Hydrol Processes 3:211–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burch H, Forster F, Schleppi P (1996) Zum Einfluss des Waldes auf die Hydrologie der Flysch-Einzugsgebiete des Alptals. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Forstwesen 147(12):925–937

    Google Scholar 

  • Burger H (1954) Einfluss des Waldes auf den Stand der Gewässer; 5. Mitteilung; Der Wasserhaushalt im Sperbel- und Rappengraben von 1942/43 bis 1951/52. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Anstalt für das forstliche Versuchswesen 31(1):9–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Burger T, Danner E, Kaufmann P, Lüscher P, Stocker R (1996) Standortkundlicher Kartierschlüssel für die Wälder der Kantone Bern und Freiburg - Kommentar und Anwenderschlüssel. ARGE Kaufmann & Partner / Burger & Stocker und Forstliche Bodenkunde WSL, Solothurn Lenzburg Birmensdorf

  • Casparis E (1959) 30 Jahre Wassermessstationen im Emmental. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Anstalt für das forstliche Versuchswesen 35(1):179–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang M (2003) Forest hydrology: an introduction to water and forests. CNC, Boca Raton

    Google Scholar 

  • Cosandey C (1992) Influence de la forêt sur le cycle de l’eau. Hydrol Continent 7(1):13–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Cosandey C, Robinson M (2000) Hydrologie continentale. Armand Colin, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Cosandey C, Andréassian V, Martin C, Didon-Lescot JF, Lavabre J, Folton N, Mathys N, Richard D (2005) The hydrological impact of the Mediterranean forest: a review of French research. J Hydrol 301(1–4):235–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doerr SH, Ferreira AJD, Walsh RPD, Shakesby RA, Leighton-Boyce G, Coelho COA (2003) Soil water repellency as a potential parameter in rainfall-runoff modelling: experimental evidence at point to catchment scales from Portugal. Hydrol Processes 17(2):363–377

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellenberg H, Klötzli F (1972) Waldgesellschaften und Waldstandorte der Schweiz. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Anstalt für das forstliche Versuchswesen 48(4):589–930

    Google Scholar 

  • Engler A (1919) Einfluss des Waldes auf den Stand der Gewässer. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Anstalt für das forstliche Versuchswesen 12:1–626

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahey B (1994) The effect of plantation forestry on water yield in New Zealand. N Z For 39(3):18–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahey B, Jackson R (1997) Hydrological impacts of converting native forests and grasslands to pine plantations, South Island, New Zealand. Agric For Meteorol 84:69–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FAO-UNESCO (1997) Soil map of the world, UNESCO, Paris

  • Germann PF, Weingartner R (2003) Hochwasser und Wald - das forsthydrologische Paradigma. In: Jeanneret F, Wastl-Walter D, Wiesmann U, Schwyn M (eds) Welt der Alpen - Gebirge der Welt. Haupt Verlag, Bern, pp 127–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegg C, Thormann JJ, Böll A, Germann P, Kienholz H, Lüscher P, Weingartner R (eds) (2004) Lothar und Wildbäche, Schlussbericht eines Projektes im Rahmen des Programms “LOTHAR Evaluations- und Grundlagenprojekte”. Eidgenössische Forschungsanstalt WSL, Birmensdorf

  • Hibbert AR (1967) Forest treatment effects on water yield. In: Sopper WE, Lull HW (eds) International symposium on forest hydrology. Pergamon, Oxford, pp 527–543

    Google Scholar 

  • Hornbeck JW (1973) Storm flow from hardwood-forested and cleared watersheds in New Hampshire. Water Resour Res 9(2):346–354

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hornbeck JW, Adams MB, Corbett ES, Verry ES, Lynch JA (1993) Long-term impacts of forest treatments on water yield: a summary for northeastern USA. J Hydrol 150:323–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horton RE (1932) Drainage basin characteristics. Trans Am Geophys Union 13:355–361

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang M, Zhang L, Gallichand J (2003) Runoff responses to afforestation in a watershed of the Loess Plateau, China. Hydrol Processes 17(13):2599–2609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koivusalo H, Kokkonen T (2002) Snow processes in a forest clearing and in a coniferous forest. J Hydrol 262:145–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lang H (1978) Die Verdunstung in der Schweiz (Zusammenfassender Bericht). Beiträge zur Geologie der Schweiz - Hydrologie 25:11–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynch JA, Corbett ES, Sopper WE (1977) Effects of antecedent soil moisture on stormflow volumes and timing. In: Surface and sub-surface hydrology In: Proceedings of the third international hydrology symposium on theoretical and applied hydrology, Fort Collins, pp 89–99

  • McCulloch JSG, Robinson M (1993) History of forest hydrology. J Hydrol 150:189–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Menzel L, Lang H, Rohman M (1997) Mittlere jährliche aktuelle Verdunstungshöhen 1973-1992. In: Hydrologischer Atlas der Schweiz, Tafel 4.1, Bern

  • MeteoSwiss (2003a) Witterungsberichte der MeteoSchweiz (Monate Juni, Juli, August, September)

  • MeteoSwiss (2003b) Niederschlagsbulletin der MeteoSchweiz (das Jahr 2003)

  • Ott E, Frehner M, Frey HU, Lüscher P (1997) Gebirgsnadelwälder: praxisorientierter Leitfaden für eine standortgerechte Waldbehandlung, Haupt Verlag, Bern Stuttgart Wien

  • Penman HL (1959) Notes on the water balance of the Sperbelgraben and Rappengraben. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Anstalt für das forstliche Versuchswesen 35(1):99–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinhart KG (1964) Effect of a commercial clearcutting in West Virginia on overland flow and storm runoff. J For 62:167–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Richard D (2002) Forêts et crues. La Houille Blanche - Revue Internationale de l’Eau 2002–3:54–58

  • Schär C, Vidale PL, Lüthi D, Frei C, Häberli C, Liniger MA, Appenzeller C (2004) The role of increasing temperature variability in European summer heatwaves. Nature 427:332–336

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stähli M, Gustafsson D (2005) Long-term investigations of the show cover in a subalpine semi-forested catchment. Hydrol Processes (in press)

  • Weinmeister W (2003) Fähigkeiten des Waldes zur Verminderung von Hochwasser und Erosionsschäden. In: Hochwasserschutz im Wald, Berichte aus der Bayrischen Landesanstalt für Wald und Forstwirtschaft (LWF) 40:15–29

  • Witzig J, Badoux A, Hegg C, Lüscher P (2004) Waldwirkung und Hochwasserschutz - eine standörtlich differenzierte Betrachtung. Forst und Holz 59(10):476–479

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The research presented here is part of the project “Lothar and Mountain Torrent” of the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL and the Institute of Geography of the University of Berne. It was financially supported by the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape SAEFL. In this regards, we would like to thank P. Greminger and J.J. Thormann for their dedication. Furthermore, we would like to thank B. Fritschi, E. Frick and K. Steiner for their great support regarding fieldwork and data management. We are also indebted to E. Gertsch, P. Marti, H. Ilg and Ch. Könitzer for their contributions in the context of their diploma theses.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Water, Soil and Rock Movements , Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

    Alexandre Badoux, Michel Jeisy, Peter Lüscher, Jonas Witzig & Christoph Hegg

  2. Institute of Geography, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

    Hans Kienholz & Rolf Weingartner

Authors
  1. Alexandre Badoux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michel Jeisy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hans Kienholz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Peter Lüscher
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rolf Weingartner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jonas Witzig
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Christoph Hegg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexandre Badoux.

Additional information

Communicated by Franz Makeschin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Badoux, A., Jeisy, M., Kienholz, H. et al. Influence of storm damage on the runoff generation in two sub-catchments of the Sperbelgraben, Swiss Emmental. Eur J Forest Res 125, 27–41 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-005-0102-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-005-0102-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation