Article (Scientific journals)
Modelling weathering processes at the catchment scale: The WITCH numerical model
Godderis, Y.; François, Louis; Probst, A. et al.
2006In Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70 (5), p. 1128-1147
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Abstract :
[en] A numerical model of chemical weathering in soil horizons and underlying bedrock (WITCH) has been coupled to a numerical model of water and carbon cycles in forest ecosystems (ASPECTS) to simulate the concentration of major species within the soil horizons and the stream of the Strengbach granitic watershed, located in the Vosges Mountains (France). For the first time, simulations of solute concentrations in soil layers and in the catchment river have been performed on a seasonal basis. The model is able to reproduce the concentrations of most major species within the soil horizons, as well as catching the first-order seasonal fluctuations of aqueous calcium, magnesium and silica concentrations. However, the WITCH model underestimates concentrations of Mg2+ and silica at the spring of the catchment stream, and significantly underestimates Ca2+ concentration. The deficit in calculated calcium can be compensated for by dissolution of trace apatite disseminated in the bedrock. However, the resulting increased Ca2+ release yields important smectite precipitation in the deepest model layer (in contact with the bedrock) and subsequent removal of large amount of silica and magnesium from solution. In contrast, the model accurately accounts for the concentrations of major species (Ca, Mg and silica) measured in the catchment stream when precipitation of clay minerals is not allowed. The model underestimation of Mg2+ and H4SiO4 concentrations when precipitation of well crystallized smectites is allowed strongly suggests that precipitation of well crystallized clay minerals is overestimated and that more soluble poorly crystallized and amorphous materials may be forming. In agreement with observations on other watersheds draining granitic rocks, this study indicates that highly soluble trace calcic phases control the aqueous calcium budget in the Strengbach watershed. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Godderis, Y.;  Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, Toulouse, France > LMTG
François, Louis  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Modélisation du climat et des cycles biogéochimiques
Probst, A.;  Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, Toulouse, France > LMTG
Schott, J.;  Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, Toulouse, France > LMTG
Moncoulon, D.;  Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, Toulouse, France > LMTG
Labat, D.;  Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, Toulouse, France > LMTG
Viville, D.;  Centre de Géochimie de la Surface, Strasbourg
Language :
English
Title :
Modelling weathering processes at the catchment scale: The WITCH numerical model
Publication date :
2006
Journal title :
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
ISSN :
0016-7037
eISSN :
1872-9533
Publisher :
Pergamon Press - An Imprint of Elsevier Science, Oxford, United Kingdom
Volume :
70
Issue :
5
Pages :
1128-1147
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 13 May 2010

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