Turbidity?discharge hysteresis in a meso?scale catchment: The importance of intermediate scale events

In-situ sensors for riverine water quality monitoring are a powerful tool to describe temporal variations when efficient and informative analyses applied the large quantities of data collected. Concentration-discharge hysteresis patterns observed during storm events give insights into headwater catchment processes. However, applicability this approach larger catchments is less well known. Here, we evaluate potential high-frequency turbidity-discharge (Q) processes operating in meso-scale (722 km2) northern mixed land use catchment. As existing event identification methods did not work, developed new, objective method based on hydrograph characteristics identified 76 further analysis. Qualitative analysis three recurring patterns. Events with low mean Q (? 2 m3/s) often showed short-term, quasi-periodic turbidity variation, extent disconnected from variation. High max (?15 were associated spring flood or snowmelt, disconnection between Q. Intermediate (mean Q: 2–11 most applying indexes, since changes actually connected. Hysteresis indexes could be calculated subset 60 events, which heterogeneous responses: 38% had clockwise response, 12% anticlockwise, figure eight (clockwise–anticlockwise), 10% reverse (anticlockwise–clockwise) 28% complex response. Clockwise responses wetter winter seasons. Generally, small anticlockwise events. Precipitation influenced figure-eight patterns, while occurred summer flows. Analysis intermediate can improve process understanding possibly aid choosing appropriate management actions targeting specific pattern.