Comparison of Cross-bordering River Systems: A Case Study From the Country Triangle of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany
Abstract
Two exemplary mesoscale river catchments at the northern slope of the High Venn mountains in the country triangle of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are compared. Here, an analysis of the fluctuations and temporal-spatial dispersal patterns of concentrations of inorganic nutrient compounds in relation to a satellite-derived land use classification has been carried out. The three countries are showing distinct discrepancies in land use patterns, water management and the evolution of the cultural landscape. Therefore, the ecological conditions of the fluvial systems vary considerably and are controlled by high nutrient influx from agriculture and settlements via point and non-point sources. In addition, seasonal effects and complex transport mechanisms have an impact. Our results emphasize the need to improve the water quality with the aid of an integrated catchment management, as it is provided by the European water framework directive. The reduction of nutrient inputs from non-point sources plays a major role in this task. Furthermore, the ecological classification of river systems in frontier areas should involve country-specific characteristics as the form of land use, the settlement structures, or the people's perception of the natural and cultural landscape. Such catchment parameters are apparently of significance for the water quality, their emphasis has to be specified in future investigations.
- Publication:
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AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AGUSM.H44B..03B
- Keywords:
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- 1800 HYDROLOGY;
- 1803 Anthropogenic effects;
- 1836 Hydrologic budget (1655);
- 1871 Surface water quality