Wavelet analysis of soil water state variables for identification of lateral subsurface flow: Lysimeter vs. field data

Preferential and lateral subsurface flow (LSF) may be responsible for the accelerated transport of water solutes in sloping agricultural landscapes; however, process is difficult to observe. One idea compare time series soil moisture observations field with those lysimeters, where vertically oriented. This study aims at identifying periods deviations contents pressure heads measured a weighing lysimeter same profile. Wavelet coherency analysis (WCA) was applied hourly content head data (15-, 32-, 60-, 80-, 140-cm depths) from Colluvic Regosol profiles. The phase shifts periodicities indicated by WCA plots reflected response times rain events depth soil. For many depths, sensors installed responded earlier than lysimeter. could explained either vertical preferential or LSF upper hillslope positions. Vice versa, faster indicative effects. Dry weather conditions gaps limited number elevated 2016–2018, which likely occur. comprise all temporal patterns correlations between larger condensed form identify potentially relevant more detailed analyses dynamics.