One year of high-frequency monitoring of groundwater physico-chemical parameters in the Weierbach experimental catchment, Luxembourg

The critical zone (CZ) is the skin of the Earth, where rock, water, air, and life interact, playing a pivotal role in sustaining ecological processes and life-supporting resources. Understanding these interactions, especially in forested headwater catchments, is essential to manage water resources, predict environmental responses, and assess human impacts. Here, we present a novel dataset from the Weierbach experimental catchment in Luxembourg, derived from a year-long high-frequency monitoring campaign focused on groundwater physico-chemical parameters.

Through rigorous data collection and quality control, parameters such as electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, oxidation–reduction potential, and pH were measured, providing insights into the CZ's hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics. Although the 1-year dataset offers valuable observations, it represents an initial step toward understanding long-term patterns. The data highlight the interaction between redox reactions, pH, and seasonal hydrological variability, although these interpretations are limited by the temporal scope of the study.

By offering a detailed snapshot of the response of the catchment to hydrological variations, this dataset contributes to addressing key gaps in CZ research and serves as a foundation for advancing our understanding of hydro-biogeochemical processes at the catchment scale. ... mehrDespite the limited observation period, the dataset provides insights that can be integrated with long-term monitoring efforts. Researchers and practitioners can use these data to refine models, inform land management decisions, and improve our understanding of the biogeochemistry of the catchment. Researchers and practitioners can use these data to refine models, inform land management decisions, and improve our understanding of the biogeochemistry of the catchment. The dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10869166 (Hissler et al., 2024).