Selected publications

The study investigated spatio-temporal variation of hydrological connectivity and linked water quality in an intermittent mixed land use, lowland catchment in NE Germany. In recent years streamflow became more intermittent with major implications for water quality. Spatial variation of water quality is related to soils and landuse. An extensive wetland area acted as a major ecohydrological buffer.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important process in the water cycle that can help reduce heat stress in cities. However, it is dependent on surface cover. The study provides insights that can inform urban planning and water management decisions, including improving the living environment of city dwellers.

Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (SCIoI), in which the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) are involved, have proven in an underwater field study in the ocean off Mexico: the faster a school of prey moves, the higher the capture rate of the striped marlin.

A better understanding of water storage dynamics at medium scales, i.e. areas between 10 and 100 square kilometres, could help to better predict and ensure the availability of water resources, even in times of climate change. To this end, the researchers here synthesised findings from several long-term studies and introduced the concept of ecohydrological resilience.