Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams: Perspectives for critical zone science and research on socio‐ecosystems

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are now recognized to support specific freshwater biodiversity ecosystem services represent approximately half of the global river network, a fraction that is likely increase in context changes. Despite large research efforts on IRES during past few decades, there need for developing systemic approach considers their hydrological, hydrogeological, hydraulic, ecological, biogeochemical properties processes, as well interactions with human societies. Thus, we assert interdisciplinary promoted by critical zone sciences socio-ecology relevant. These approaches rely infrastructure—Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) platforms—that representative diversity (e.g., among climates or types geology. We illustrate this within French CZO LTSER, including socio-ecosystems, detail IRES. networks also specialized long-term observations required detect measure responses climate forcings despite delay buffering effects ecosystems. The LTSER platforms development innovative techniques data analysis methods can improve characterization IRES, particular monitoring flow regimes, groundwater-surface water flow, biogeochemistry rewetting. provide scientific methodological perspectives which its associated infrastructure would relevant original insights help fill knowledge gaps about This article categorized under: Water Life > Stresses Pressures Ecosystems Science Hydrological Processes Conservation, Management, Awareness