Flow directions of stream‐groundwater exchange in a headwater catchment during the hydrologic year

Understanding near-stream groundwater dynamics and flow directions is important for predicting hillslope-stream connectivity, streamflow generation, hydrologic controls of streamwater quality. To determine the drivers in stream corridor (i.e., channel adjacent footslopes riparian areas), we observed water levels 36 wells 7 piezometers along a headwater section over period 18 months. Groundwater during events were controlled by initial position table relative to subsurface structure. The displayed fast pronounced response precipitation when lying fractured bedrock with low storage capacity, responded less frequently way upper layers high capacity. Precipitation depth, intensity, regolith thickness above bedrock, proximity elevation also had an effect on dynamics, which varied conditions. Our high-frequency spatially dense measurements highlight competing influence inflow from upslope locations, level properties spatiotemporal flowpaths corridor. Near-stream pointed uniformly towards was hydrologically connected groundwater. However, local interruptions locations caused reversals footslopes. direction followed topography dry conditions few occasions after events. outcomes this research contribute better understanding controlling changes multiple wetness states