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Abstract:We want to develop a dialogue between geophysicists and hydrologists interested in synergistically advancing process based watershed research. We identify recent advances in geophysical instrumentation, and provide a vision for the use of electrical and magnetic geophysical instrumentation in watershed scale hydrology. The focus of the paper is to identify instrumentation that could significantly advance this vision for geophysics and hydrology during the next 3-5 years. We acknowledge that this is one of a number of possible ways forward and seek only to offer a relatively narrow and achievable vision. The vision focuses on the measurement of geological structure and identification of flow paths using electrical and magnetic methods. The paper identifies instruments, provides examples of their use, and describes how synergy between measurement and modelling could be achieved. Of specific interest are the airborne systems that can cover large areas and are appropriate for watershed studies. Although airborne geophysics has been around for some time, only in the last few years have systems designed exclusively for hydrological applications begun to emerge. These systems, such as airborne electromagnetic (EM) and transient electromagnetic (TEM), could revolutionize hydrogeological interpretations. Our vision centers on developing nested and cross scale electrical and magnetic measurements that can be used to construct a three-dimensional (3D) electrical or magnetic model of the subsurface in watersheds. The methodological framework assumes a 'top down' approach using airborne methods to identify the large scale, dominant architecture of the subsurface. We recognize that the integration of geophysical measurement methods, and data, into watershed process characterization and modelling can only be achieved through dialogue. Especially, through the development of partnerships between geophysicists and hydrologists, partnerships that explore how the application of geophysics can answer critical hydrological science questions, and conversely provide an understanding of the limitations of geophysical measurements and interpretation.

and hydrological events. In the Lambourn, the radon budget is controlled by diffuse 10 groundwater inputs, supporting the hypothesis that the alluvial aquifer plays a greater 11 role during periods of high accretion. The Pang is more complex than the Lambourn 12 having a combination of diffuse and point source inputs, with spring inputs dominating 13 both flow and radon signatures in the lower part of the catchment. Significant temporal 14 and spatial variations were determined for C I in both catchments reflecting their 15 differing geologies and flow regimes. One use of radon in hydrology is the 16 determination of groundwater discharges to rivers, but the observed variations in C I 17 mean this approach may not be appropriate to all situations and that changes in source 18 need further evaluation. Nonetheless, radon is shown to be a useful tracer of flow paths 19 and processes within these catchments. 20 21

A fundamental, and often intriguing question, in hydrology is “where does the water go?” This becomes particularly difficult to observe when water arrives at the ground surface and infiltrates into soils. The development of rapid, campaign‐style imaging methods that do not need to be left in situ are therefore of great interest in tracking subsurface hydrological redistribution. We present a novel geophysical imaging approach identifying spatiotemporal variation consistent with soil water redistribution in a tropical deltaic soil. The intention is to provide additional insight into spatiotemporal soil hydrological/biogeochemical processes. The bulk soil electrical conductivity response (ECa) is primarily controlled by the clay content and type, the ions retained in the soil solution (ECe), and the soil water content (θ). Clay content can be assumed to be temporally static, whereas θ and ECe are temporally dynamic. By imaging over time, we can attempt to tease apart these contributing factors. In nonsaline soils θ is the major contributor to temporal changes in ECa. By exploiting an intensive rainfall event (75 mm), with time series spatial ECa measurements, before and after the event, we were able to identify zones of water depletion and accumulation and to provide an indication of the time required for the soil to return to its prior state. In addition, locations with more clay and salts were identified through response surface‐directed soil sampling. We found important spatiotemporal variation across the level 4 ha field site that from visual inspection appeared uniform.

[1] The modeling of fluvial systems is constrained by a lack of spatial information about the continuity and structure of streambed sediments. There are few methods for noninvasive characterization of streambeds. Invasive methods using wells and cores fail to provide detailed spatial information on the prevailing architecture and its continuity. Geophysical techniques play a pivotal role in providing spatial information on subsurface properties and processes across many other environments, and we have applied the use of one of those techniques to streambeds. We demonstrate, through two examples, how electrical resistivity imaging can be utilized for characterization of subchannel architecture. In the first example, electrodes installed in riparian boreholes and on the streambed are used for imaging, under the river bed, the thickness and continuity of a highly permeable alluvial gravel layer overlying chalk. In the second example, electrical resistivity images, determined from data collected using electrodes installed on the river bed, provide a constrained estimate of the sediment volume behind a log jam, vital to modeling biogeochemical exchange, which had eluded measurement using conventional drilling methods owing to the boulder content of the stream. The two examples show that noninvasive electrical resistivity imaging is possible in complex stream environments and provides valuable information about the subsurface architecture beneath the stream channels.