An adaptative process based model framework for water-, energy- and mass cycles in lower mesoscale catchments

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We suggest an adaptive model framework named CAOS (Catchments As Organized Systems) that is based on elementary functional units (EFUs), which are regarded as homogeneous with respect to their hydrological functioning. These EFUs are arranged along time invariant lead structures in the landscape such as the catena. Depending on the prevailing boundary conditions, their internal states and external drivers, EFUs will be grouped into sets named dynamic functional units (DFUs). DFUs are deemed to function similarly with respect to the processes and structures that dominate either energy exchange or, under rainfall-driven conditions, vertical and lateral flow processes. Thus, dynamics in the entire set can be represented by simulating dynamics for a single or a few representatives. This will reduce computational effort to a minimum amount and ideally allows application of the CAOS model for improving hydrological practice at the lower mesoscale. Most of the necessary process descriptions for the model objects will be iteratively refined based on growing insights and growing data sets in the individual sub projects. Project S will furthermore develop and maintain structures to manage all data required for and produced by the research unit and organise frequent meetings to sustain knowledge transfer among the participating projects.