Catena最新文献

{"title":"Spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of groundwater drought in Nile River Basin (NRB)","authors":"Mesfin Mamo Haile ,&nbsp;Fadong Li ,&nbsp;Zhipin Ai ,&nbsp;Gang Chen ,&nbsp;Peifang Leng","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109194","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109194","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding groundwater drought characteristics and the driving factors is vital for sustainable groundwater management. Using Nile River Basin (NRB) as a testbed, this research examines spatial patterns, temporal changes, and overall trends of groundwater droughts using standardized groundwater drought index (SGDI) model in areas with distinct climate conditions. The study quantitatively assesses the influence of anthropogenic (LULC), meteorological, and teleconnection factors using correlation analysis, cross-wavelet transform, and Random Forest (RF) methods. Based on this study, groundwater droughts predominantly occurred between 2003 and 2013 with a general decreasing trend, and the occurrence of groundwater droughts was closely aligned with meteorological drought, with a propagation time of at least three months. Precipitation positively contributed to mitigating groundwater droughts across the study area but was insufficient to reverse drought intensification. Teleconnection factors significantly influenced the development of groundwater droughts, with DMI and ENSO identified as key contributors. Changes in LULC, such as a decrease in barren land, cropland, and grassland, along with an increase in vegetation and water bodies, played a key role in alleviating groundwater droughts in NRB. Conversely, the expansion of urban areas did not seem to worsen drought conditions. Quantitative analysis highlights LULC and meteorological factors as the primary drivers of groundwater droughts, though the influence of teleconnection factors, while weaker, remains important. Overall, this study highlights factors influencing groundwater droughts, supporting decision-making for sustainable groundwater management in diverse climates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109194"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the effects of forest types, vegetation structural diversity, and soil properties on above- and below-ground carbon stock of moist deciduous forest ecosystems in Western Ghats, India","authors":"PR. Sandra ,&nbsp;Anand Shankar ,&nbsp;Satish Chandra Garkoti ,&nbsp;CK Adarsh","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dynamics of tree biomass carbon (Tcs) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks vary significantly across forest types, shaped by vegetation structural diversity, soil properties, and nutrient availability. However, the relative influence of these ecological factors on Tcs and SOC stocks across different forest types remains poorly understood. This study examines the influence of forest types on tree diversity {Shannon index (H′), species richness (SR), and probability of interspecific encounter (PIE)}, structural attributes (basal area and density), soil properties {bulk density, pH, and N}, nutrients {P, k, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu}, and carbon stocks in Western Ghats. Data were collected from 12 stands across two forest types {5 permanent preservation plots (PPP) and 7 teak plantations (TP)} using field-based quadrat sampling and soil analysis (0–100 cm depth). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to disentangle forest types’ direct and indirect effects on Tcs and SOC stocks. Results showed significantly higher tree diversity, nutrient enrichment, Tcs, and SOC stock in PPP compared to TP. Tcs ranged from ∼186–312 Mg C ha⁻¹, while SOC ranged from ∼16–84 Mg C ha⁻¹, jointly contributing 47–54 % of forest C storage. Tree density, H’, and soil nutrients (P, K, C/N, and Mn) emerged as major drivers of Tcs and SOC variation, explaining 73–90 % of the observed variance. SEM analysis confirmed structural diversity and soil nutrients as primary drivers influencing C stock, with soil properties having a lesser impact. Overall, the findings highlight that forest types and soil depth modulate the effects of vegetation and soil attributes on C dynamics. This study advances understanding of carbon stock regulation in tropical forests and provides valuable insights for conservation planning and sustainable forest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109198"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144204911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Glacier melting phenology changes in the Tibetan Plateau from 1981 to 2020","authors":"Zhiguo Li ,&nbsp;Wanqin Guo ,&nbsp;Yetang Wang ,&nbsp;Yongqiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Shun Zhang ,&nbsp;Xinyu Zhu ,&nbsp;Ning Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of glacier melt phenology across the Tibetan Plateau is crucial due to its significant impacts on hydrological processes, water supply, natural disasters, climate systems, and ecosystems. Key metrics, including glacier melting onset date (GMOD), end date (GMED), duration (GMDD), and accumulated temperature (GMAT), are essential for understanding these impacts. This study investigated these metrics using the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis of land surface data (ERA5-Land) for the period 1981–2020. Results indicated that GMOD advanced by 0.05 days⋅a⁻¹, GMED was delayed by 0.12 days⋅a⁻¹, GMDD increased by 0.22 days⋅a⁻¹, and GMAT rose by an average of 0.88 °C⋅a⁻¹. GMDD and GMAT exhibited significantly increasing trends (p &lt; 0.05), indicating accelerating glacier retreat and intensified melt potentially reaching higher elevations. Between 1981 and 2020, notable increases in GMDD and GMAT occurred in the northwestern, northeastern, and southeastern regions of the Tibetan Plateau, especially in the Qilian, Hengduan, and Tanglha Mountains. A significant positive correlation existed between GMOD and elevation, while GMED, GMDD, and GMAT exhibited negative correlations. Smaller glaciers showed considerable increases in GMDD, medium-scale glaciers displayed significant delays in GMED, and larger glaciers demonstrated marked increases in GMAT. Additionally, debris-covered glaciers exhibited earlier melt onset and extended melt durations, with debris’ insulating effect influencing temporal and spatial changes in melt phenology. Net longwave radiation was a key meteorological factor influencing glacial melting phenology, with ENSO and AMO significantly affecting these changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109199"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Palaeo debris-flow activity and implications for the Qiaotou archaeological site, upper Qiantang River, eastern China","authors":"Yiting Xu ,&nbsp;Zhou Lin ,&nbsp;Joseph Desloges ,&nbsp;Wenjia Zhang ,&nbsp;Leping Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Local and regional geomorphic processes can be important determinants of patterns of human occupation during the early Holocene. Through a combination of complementary methods of sedimentology, GPR and terrain analysis, Late-Pleistocene and Holocene piedmont fan building are reconstructed around Qiaotou archaeological site in the lower Yangtze River region of China. Qiaotou site occupation was dominated by the Shangshan Culture (10–8.5 ka BP), the earliest Neolithic culture in eastern China.</div><div>Excavated sedimentary outcrops and radiocarbon dating indicate intense debris-flow and hyperconcentrated-flow activities at the Qiaotou site since the late Pleistocene (31, 8, 7, ∼6.2, 4ka cal BP). The GPR survey reveals debris flow activity has dominated an area that extends about 2.4–3 km outwards from the fan apex encompassing the Qiaotou site. Morphometric analysis of fan-building in mountain watersheds around Qiaotou suggests that most of the tributary basins feeding the fan have higher Melton ratios and thus are prone to produce debris flows in the underlying erodible sedimentary rock.</div><div>The comprehensive investigations around the Qiaotou archaeological site provide a better understanding of the occurrence and intensity of the debris flow activities as well as the association between Holocene climate fluctuations and local geomorphic changes. These results first unveil palaeo environments in the upstream reaches of the Qiantang River, and provide crucial information regarding the relationship between Holocene environmental changes and settlement abandonment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109188"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetic characteristics of sediments in the northern Yangtze River delta since MIS3 and their responses to palaeoenvironmental changes","authors":"Guiye Zhang ,&nbsp;Longsheng Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Wang ,&nbsp;Shouyun Hu ,&nbsp;Mingming Ma ,&nbsp;Jiawen Zhao ,&nbsp;Yanjun Ge ,&nbsp;Lin Zeng ,&nbsp;Xianbin Liu ,&nbsp;Chao Zhan ,&nbsp;Qing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Yangtze River Delta (YRD), located at the confluence of terrestrial and marine environments, is influenced by various hydrodynamic factors, including oceanic, fluvial, and tidal processes, which together create a distinctive sedimentary environment. This research examined the sediment magnetic minerals of the upper 0–61 m of the core YZ07 in the northern YRD. Combined with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, various climatic and environmental indicators, the mechanisms about sedimentary magnetic parameters responding to palaeoenvironmental changes were discussed. The results indicate that the dominant magnetic minerals in the core YZ07 sediments were coarse-grained pseudo-single domain (PSD) and multidomain (MD) magnetite, with minor amounts of hematite. Between 53.0 and 37.5 ka B.P., χ and SIRM values were high, while χ_ARM/χ and χ_ARM/SIRM values were low. These indicated a relatively warm and humid climate characterized by higher precipitation and stronger hydrodynamic conditions in the Yangtze River basin. The concentration of magnetic minerals decreased and grain sizes became finer from 37.5 to 30.7 ka B.P., suggesting a decline in temperature and precipitation. During the Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS2), the values of χ and SIRM declined, whereas the values of χ_ARM/χ and χ_ARM/SIRM increased, reflecting a cooler climate with reduced precipitation and weakened hydrodynamic conditions. The sediments in the Holocene showed higher concentrations of magnetic minerals and coarser grain sizes, indicating a warm and humid climate with strong hydrodynamic conditions. Conversely, among the intervals of 8.4 to 7.5 ka B.P., 4.3 to 3.4 ka B.P., and 1.7 to 1.3 ka B.P., the contents of magnetic minerals decreased and the grain sizes became finer, corresponding to cold and dry climatic events within the Holocene period. Magnetic parameters of core YZ07 show a strong correlation with global and regional environmental changes, suggesting that climate changes result in alterations to the hydrodynamic conditions of the Yangtze River.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109200"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tracking nitrate sources and transport pathways in riparian wetlands using a multi-tracer approach combined with a Bayesian mixing model","authors":"Zhendong Hong ,&nbsp;Pengwei Qiu ,&nbsp;Yu Xi ,&nbsp;Qinghe Zhao ,&nbsp;Shengyan Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identifying nitrate (NO₃⁻) sources and key transport pathways is essential to manage diffuse NO₃⁻ pollution, particularly in riparian wetlands where nitrate pollution is a major contribution to eutrophication. In this study, we used multiple tracers to assess the contribution of multiple NO₃⁻ sources and transport pathways in the riparian wetlands along the lower Yellow River during four hydrological seasons. The results revealed that NO₃⁻ concentrations in approximately 12.2 % riparian wetland water along the lower Yellow River were higher than the Chinese government and WHO allowed threshold (10 mg/L), particularly in wetlands outside the dykes during high flow seasons. The signature of hydrochemical parameters and stable isotopes (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻, δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻ and δ¹⁸O-H₂O) values illustrated multiple sources recharge NO₃⁻ levels in riparian wetland water, rather than biogeochemical processes. A Bayesian mixing model based on dual nitrate isotope values further revealed that chemical fertilizer (35 %), soil organic nitrogen (33 %), and manure/sewage (26 %) served as the main NO₃^– source recharging riparian wetlands water. Of the main nitrate transport pathways, groundwater (34 %), the Yellow River (33 %), and canal water (28 %) contributed more to riparian wetlands water pollution that did atmospheric deposition (precipitation). However, both source and the relative importance of certain transport pathways of NO₃⁻ varied both spatially and temporally. These results are critical for better informing the management and restoration of riparian wetlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109201"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent effects of soil organic matter and carbonate on soil aggregation and structure in arid regions","authors":"Zhufeng Wang ,&nbsp;Yugang Wang ,&nbsp;Dengchun Xing ,&nbsp;Rota Wagai ,&nbsp;Jinsen Zheng ,&nbsp;Haoyuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Bowen Fan ,&nbsp;Wenting Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109196","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109196","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding how calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) mediates soil aggregation and structure has important implications for soil organic carbon sequestration. Despite its prevalence in arid regions, the impact of CaCO₃ on soil structure remains frequently overlooked and poorly understood. This study aimed to <em>i</em>) explore the relationships between organic and inorganic binding agents and soil aggregation across macro- to micro-scales, as indicated by mean weighted diameter (MWD), specific surface area (SSA), and porosity, and <em>ii</em>) assess the changes in SSA and porosity before and after CaCO₃ removal in bulk soil and aggregate fractions. Conducting research along an elevation gradient in the Tianshan mountain, we evaluated soil aggregation indicators alongside organic binding agents (<em>i.e</em>., soil organic matter, SOM) and inorganic agents (<em>i.e</em>., CaCO₃, exchangeable Ca, iron/alumina (hydro)oxides, and silt-clay). Our findings indicate that SOM primarily contributes to MWD, promoting macro-aggregate (&gt;250 μm) formation. The influence of SOM on SSA and total pore volume (TPV) varies with elevation sites, underscoring a SOM content-dependent relationship. Conversely, CaCO₃ and exchangeable Ca form micro-aggregates in calcareous soils. Notably, CaCO₃ exhibited a negative correlation with SSA and TPV, while its removal led to increased SSA and TPV in bulk soil and &lt;53 μm aggregates. This research highlights the divergent roles of SOM and carbonate in soil aggregation and their interactions in arid environments, emphasizing the importance of managing CaCO₃ levels to maintain soil structure and organic carbon sequestration potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109196"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal and geographic extrapolation of soil moisture using machine learning algorithms","authors":"Efthymios Chrysanthopoulos,&nbsp;Andreas Kallioras","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The inherent characteristic of machine learning algorithms to extrapolate when the convex hull is expanded with new unseen instances, can be exploited in soil moisture prediction, concerning temporal and geographic extrapolation. This study describes the implementation of a machine learning framework, evaluating the performance of both individuals (Support Vector Regressor) and ensemble algorithms (Random Forests and Voting Regressor) in temporal and geographic extrapolation of soil moisture beyond the feature space of the calibration data. While most studies focus on temporal extrapolation and spatial interpolation of soil moisture in the framework of calibration stations, this study provides important insights on soil moisture prediction in distinct locations of a catchment where target variables are available, using pre-calibrated models at an individual station. The approach is originally based on the calibration of each machine learning algorithm with the soil moisture data from every agro-meteorological station of the monitoring networks and the evaluation both in temporal extrapolation context with future data of the same station and in geographic extrapolation with data concerning the location of rest of the stations.Overall the results indicate that in the context of temporal extrapolation the algorithms achieve adequate accuracy with the performance metrics to achieve values R² &gt; 0.75, RMSE &lt; 0.042 cm³cm⁻³ and MAE &lt; 0.001 cm³cm⁻³, while in the context of geographic extrapolation algorithms trained using soil moisture data from a distinct agro-meteorological station are capable of predicting soil moisture with enhanced efficiency when applied to previously unseen datasets. The results of this research indicate the applicability of the framework in unmonitored sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109156"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144146845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Landscape Disturbance Effects of the Large-scale Water Storage Activity in the Baihetan Reservoir on the Jinsha River, China","authors":"Zhenkui Gu ,&nbsp;Chuangchuang Yao ,&nbsp;Xin Yao ,&nbsp;Xuchao Zhu ,&nbsp;Renjiang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Constructing large hydroelectric power stations in canyon areas is widely accepted as a solution to meet energy demands. However, large-scale water storage elevates water levels, shifts the water-land boundary, increases evaporation, and alters the microclimate, potentially triggering a chain of environmental responses. This raises concerns about whether such changes could increase abnormal precipitation events, thereby stimulating more widespread slope failures and vegetation changes, ultimately disturbing the landscape. The Baihetan Hydropower Station, located on the lower Jinsha River in China, serves as a case study for exploring these effects. By monitoring long-term surface deformations, abnormal precipitation, topography, geomorphological parameters, and vegetation changes, we have gained insights into the macro disturbances caused by water level fluctuations. Since the reservoir began storing water, slope failures have markedly increased, particularly in the form of creeping slopes and bank collapses in the drawdown zone. This period has also seen a reduction in total precipitation, an increase in abnormal precipitation, and slower vegetation growth. Further analysis reveals that while rising water levels primarily destabilize reservoir shore slope-failures, precipitation also significantly influences this instability. The greatest threat to shore stability arises when water levels drop and are followed by heavy rainfall. Although the severity of abnormal precipitation has increased post-impoundment, it has not led to more extreme precipitation events. Vegetation growth on active slopes near the reservoir is mainly controlled by changes in precipitation, with vegetation decline due to slope instability being limited and not widespread. These findings contradict initial assumptions, indicating that landscape disturbances due to water storage are limited and have not led to severe, uncontrollable chain reactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109197"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144146844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling water table tipping points in peatland ecosystems: Implications for ecological restoration","authors":"Mar Albert-Saiz ,&nbsp;Mariusz Lamentowicz ,&nbsp;Anshu Rastogi ,&nbsp;Radosław Juszczak","doi":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.catena.2025.109149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Peatlands play a significant role in the global carbon cycle as an essential organic carbon sink. However, a concerning trend reveals that more than 15 % of peatlands worldwide have been drained; this hydrological problem is expected to deepen with the ongoing global warming. The appropriate management of the water table depth (WTD) emerges as an essential strategy in the protection of peatlands from drainage and degradation. These ecosystems are also under the influence of seasonal hydrological changes, which exert profound effects. A low water table facilitates oxygen availability in the peat, leading to the decomposition of organic matter and significant shifts in vegetation. Conversely, high water table levels encourage anaerobic conditions, fostering peat accumulation while suppressing microbial activity. Extreme climate events or human interventions further trigger water table fluctuations, potentially pushing peatlands beyond recovery thresholds and leading to irreversible degradation. Therefore, this comprehensive review and <em>meta</em>-analysis explores the responses of peatlands to water table fluctuations. We tried to identify critical tipping points driving vegetation succession, nutrient cycling, acidity levels, and exoenzymatic activities. The study found out deeper levels of WTD are needed to trigger the chain of effects in peatland balance for bogs (from –31 cm to –23 cm) than for fens (from –14 cm to –12 cm)( and that some changes are only directly related with WTD in undisturbed peatlands (e.g. changes in acidity, less stable vegetation succession). Recognising these critical thresholds is of utmost importance, as it holds the key to preventing further degradation of invaluable peatland ecosystems and appropriate restoration methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9801,"journal":{"name":"Catena","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 109149"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144146843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}