Combined integrated hydrological modeling and particle tracking algorithms to infer the temporal variability of transit and residence time distributions within the Strengbach catchment (Vosges mountains, France)

The temporal variability of transit-time distributions (TTDs) and residence-time distributions (RTDs) in hydrological systems has received particular attention recently because of their ability to inform on elementary processes impacting geochemical signatures and water fluxes in ecosystems. To date, these distributions and their temporal variability have been mainly investigated through concentration measurements of conservative geochemical or isotopic tracers. Even though physically-based and distributed hydrological models can render interpretations of TTDs/RTDs in terms of processes and physical controls, the variability of TTDs and RTDs has barely been studied using distributed hydrological modeling. In this study, an integrated hydrological model has been coupled with particle tracking algorithms and applied to the Strengbach Catchment – a small mountainous catchment belonging to the French network of critical zone observatories – to investigate the eventual link between water storage in the catchment and the temporal variability of TTDs and RTDs. The model calibration is performed relying upon both classical streamflow measurements and magnetic resonance sounding, a geophysical measure sensible to the water content in the subsurface. The model is then run over a 10-year period for which time distributions are calculated at various deadlines. The results show that the response of the Strengbach catchment is uncommon with short mean transit times (approximately 150-200 days) and a weak variability of TTDs and RTDs with the water storage. This specific behavior is mainly linked to the small size of the system and specific climatic and topographic conditions. Because the hydrological model was calibrated on the basis of unusual data (local water contents inferred via MRS measurements), ongoing investigations target the evaluation of the sensitivity of transit time distributions with respect to uncertainties plaguing calibrating data.