.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Catchment precipitation partitioning in the Budyko framework is controlled by root zone storage capacity
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
M
F
R
M
M
DOI：10.1088/1748-9326/ae612a.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Quantification of long-term partitioning of precipitation into evaporation and runoff is a fundamental pursuit in catchment hydrology. The Budyko framework provides a theoretical basis for this and estimates the evaporative fraction based on the aridity index. However, deviations from the global-average Budyko curve point to additional controls on precipitation partitioning beyond the aridity index. We hypothesized that root zone storage capacity (Sr,max), defined as maximum subsurface water volume accessible to vegetation roots, is a key driver of these deviations. The relationship between Sr,max and precipitation partitioning in the Budyko space was investigated globally across >5000 catchments. Sr,max was calculated using the memory method based on runoff observations and the water balance. The ω-parameter from Fu’s equation, which was used here to construct parametric Budyko curves, reflects deviations from the global-average Budyko curve and hence precipitation partitioning. Results revealed a globally stronger correlation (Spearman’s ρ= 0.68) of ω with Sr,max, than with other potential controls, indicating Sr,max as a dominant driver of precipitation partitioning. Further analysis based on Köppen–Geiger climatic zone classification revealed variations in the Sr,max–ω relationship, with the strongest correlations observed in cold (ρ= 0.87) and Mediterranean (ρ = 0.83) climates, followed by temperate (ρ = 0.76), tropical (ρ = 0.64) and arid climates (ρ = 0.61). Regional differences in Sr,max indicate that, at a given aridity, EA/P largely reflects vegetation adaptation to the seasonal interplay between water supply and atmospheric water demand. This study provides strong empirical evidence on a global scale for Sr,max as a governing factor in modulating catchment precipitation partitioning, as evident in the Budyko space. As a major implication our results provide a theoretical basis for the maximum values of Sr,max found in nature, as constrained by the water and energy limits of the Budyko framework.
Keywords:
root zone storage capacity
Budyko framework
precipitation partitioning
evaporative fraction
aridity index
AI Summary
Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.
Journal
IF:
5.6
Papers:
9.5K
Citations:
5.0W
Organization
Cited Papers