SSS20

Postfire hydrology and erosion processes: linking impacts across spatial and temporal scales
Convener: Gary Sheridan  | Co-Conveners: Susan Cannon , Patrick Lane 
Oral Programme
 / Thu, 06 May, 10:30–12:00  / Room 8
Poster Programme
 / Attendance Thu, 06 May, 17:30–19:00  / Hall Z

Fire changes hydrologic and soil-erosion conditions at a range of spatial and temporal scales. However we are rarely able to undertake experimentation at all the relevant scales simultaneously, and we rely on a synthesis of studies at different scales to build our knowledge of the net implications of fire in landscapes. In this session, we seek relevant research from a range of scales that will help to bridge the gap between process-knowledge at small scales, and catchment implications at larger, and longer timescales. For example, soil water repellence acts at the soil pore scale, yet the net hydrologic impacts at hillslope and catchment scales still remain elusive as we struggle with up-scaling the effects of this property in heterogeneous landscapes. From a temporal perspective, determining the magnitude-frequency of post-fire erosion events remains a challenge. Progress is hindered by a lack of understanding of thresholds for process-shifts, such as the initiation of high-yielding processes such as post-fire debris flows. Researchers working at any scale that can contribute to our understanding of the spatial and temporal effects of fire on catchment hydrology, erosion, water quality and geomorphology are encouraged to submit abstracts to this session.