Landscape ecology meets catchment hydrology

Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Papers published in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions are under open-access review for the journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Abstract Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Abstract The understanding of landscape controls on the natural variability of hydrologic processes is an important research question of the PUB (Predictions in Ungauged Basins) initiative. Quantitative landscape ecology, which aims at understanding the relationships of patterns and processes in dynamic heterogeneous landscapes, may greatly 5 contribute to this research effort by assisting the coupling of ecological and hydrological models. The present paper reviews the currently emerging rapprochement between ecological and hydrological research. It points out some common concepts and future research needs in both areas in terms of pattern, process and function analysis and 10 modelling. Focusing on riverine landscapes, the interrelation between ecological and hydrological processes are illustrated. Two further complementary examples show how both disciplines can provide valuable information for each other. I close with some visions about promising (landscape) ecological concepts that may help advancing one of the most challenging tasks in catchment hydrology: Predictions in ungauged basins.