How does FDRI design catchment monitoring to address a range of science goals? This is a key challenge, so that we get good scientific value from the data produced.
We have developed detailed knowledge and assessed the current scientific understanding of the selected sub-catchments, as well as the local concerns associated with floods and droughts - keeping in mind the need for wider knowledge transfer across the UK from the future research projects that will use this infrastructure. This knowledge base and opportunities for monitoring, has been compiled in a perceptual model for each of the sub-catchments. These will soon be shared with the wider FDRI community for further comment and suggestions.
The perceptual models have also shown the need for more field survey work to better assess where to locate our measurements. These surveys are now underway in the Chess, with support gratefully received from the River Chess Association. This has been another great opportunity for the new field crew to get wet and dirty and produce some of the first new FDRI datasets! Results will be used to design and justify monitoring of river flows and groundwater interactions, enabling us to locate these stations and seek the necessary site permissions.