Process conceptualization is fundamentally important to both process understanding and prediction in catchment hydrology, urging a re-think about the different ways in which the form and function of catchment systems are conceptualized. Given the importance of heterogeneity at all scales, it requires the development of diagnostic classification tools that integrate measurement and consider factors such as topography, topology and typology to develop indices of similarity. This session invites papers aiming to improve the understanding of process heterogeneity and approaches to conceptualise the structure, function and behaviour of catchment systems in different climatic and geomorphic provinces. This includes methodologies of (i) multi-scale cat chment monitoring, (ii) encapsulating spatial scale issues, (iii) describing non-linearities and emergence of processes, (iv) developing and establishing geographically and climatically transferable approaches of conceptualization. This session aims to assess current approaches to observe structures and responses and how both evolve over time.
Studies considering conceptualization approaches ranging from simple qualitative conceptual diagrams and mapping tools to increasingly complex numerical approaches in physical models are invited. Additionally, natural isotopic and geochemical tracers provide insight into the hydrological functioning of larger catchments and are particularly useful in upscaling studies as their dynamics in natural waters reflect the integration of process interactions at fine spatial and temporal scales. In this way, tracers offer insight into the "averaging" which characterizes the emergent functioning of hydrological systems at larger spatial and temporal scales. The session is organized as part of the scientific activities of the Theme 2 "Conceptualization of process heterogeneity", Initiative in Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB), International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS).

List of Invited Speakers:

Jim P. McNamara
Professor in Watershed Hydrology, Department of Geosciences, Boise State University, United States

James W. Kirchner
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland