Abstract

As we begin research in the Sumter National Forest (Figure 1) at the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory (CCZO) in South Carolina, we propose an interfluve ordering system envisioned as a reciprocal to the Hortonian-Strahler (1) ordering of streams: the broadest and highest elevation interfluves are a 0th order and increase in rank through interfluve dissection and narrowing (Figures 1, 2, 3). Interfluve order attends to the structure and functions of residual porous-solid systems in the transport of water, solutes, and eroded solids in the CZ (Figure 2). Interfluve ordering seems to have great potential in linking recent work in the fields of geochemistry and geomorphology regarding bedrock weathering front dynamics. Land use history and human impacts further strengthen the potential for an interfluve ordering system. With LiDAR and DEM mapping enabling new quantitative research of landscape and critical zone structure and function, we propose that many physiographic regions will benefit from a system that orders interfluves.

Citation

Brecheisen, Zachary S., Xing Chen, and Daniel deB. Richter (2014): Ordering interfluves: a simple proposal for understanding critical zone evolution and function. CZO Network 2014 All Hands Meeting, Fish Camp, California.