Case study: Real-Time Monitoring of Weathered Bedrock Moisture in Northern California Coast Ranges
In a study conducted in the Northern California Coast Ranges, USA, Sensoil’s Vadose Zone Monitoring System (VMS) was deployed to provide real-time measurements of weathered bedrock moisture variations in hillslopes. This innovative application of VMS technology, part of the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory, offers unprecedented insights into percolation patterns and hydrological processes that control the water budget in the forest, with respect to the dynamics of ecosystems of the coastal ranges.
Implementing Monitoring Units in the Vadose Zone
Two 20-meter-long VMS sleeves, each equipped with 10 monitoring units, were installed across the vadose zone underlying the forested hillslopes. The sleeves were placed in slanted boreholes, ensuring undisturbed vertical profiles from the land surface to each of the 20 monitoring units. This strategic installation allows for:
- Continuous monitoring of water content variations
- Frequent collection of water and gas samples from the weathered unsaturated zone
- Chemical and isotopic analysis of collected samples
The unique VMS Control Panel, installed on-site, manages data collection and water sampling, providing real-time access to critical information from thee unsaturated zone.
Collect Real-time Data. Gain Insights Into Ecosystem Resilience.
Sensoil’s VMS technology enables the creation of time series data showing variations in sediment water content at multiple depths. This continuous tracking of rock moisture fluctuations in relation to rain and evaporation patterns offers valuable insights into:
- Rainwater percolation patterns
- Moisture mass balance in unsaturated profiles
- Direct assessment of moisture profile variations
By utilizing Sensoil’s VMS technology, researchers can now investigate the intricate relationships between bedrock moisture, forest hydrology, and ecosystem dynamics in the coastal ranges.
This real-time data collection and analysis capability provides a powerful tool for understanding:
- The impact of climate variations on forest water availability
- Subsurface water movement and its effect on vegetation
- The role of bedrock moisture in supporting ecosystem resilience
Understanding Critical Zone Processes for Water Resource Management
The application of Sensoil’s Vadose Zone Monitoring System in the Northern California Coast Ranges demonstrates the versatility and effectiveness of this technology in diverse environmental settings. By providing continuous, real-time data on subsurface moisture dynamics, the VMS enables researchers to gain unprecedented insights into the complex interactions between water, rock, and forest ecosystems in the critical zone.
This case study highlights the potential of VMS technology to revolutionize our understanding of critical zone processes and contribute to more effective forest and water resource management strategies in challenging environments like the coastal ranges of Northern California.
