Hydrological processes of reference watersheds in experimental forests, USA.

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview and comparison of factors influencing hydrological processes, especially stream flow dynamics and evapotranspiration, at ten relatively undisturbed reference watersheds in the USDA-EFR network. The chapter demonstrates the breadth of the hydrogeological, topographic, climatic and ecological characteristics of reference watersheds by discussing how factors such as climate, topography, geology, soils and vegetation influence runoff generation of these reference watersheds. Further, the chapter also briefly considers how site factors influence evapotranspiration, which determines water balance and regulates stream flow.