Summary
This interdisciplinary review addresses the persistent disconnect between laboratory-derived reaction kinetic theories and field-scale observations in catchment hydro-biogeochemistry. The authors argue that integration of hydrological and biogeochemical sciences is essential for forecasting Critical Zone responses to climate and anthropogenic perturbations, and outline a detailed research agenda requiring enhanced subsurface characterisation, expanded water age dating, combined tracer studies, and model-informed field sampling to bridge this theoretical gap.
UK applicability
UK upland and lowland catchments experiencing climate change and land-use pressures would benefit from the proposed integrated measurement and modelling frameworks, particularly for understanding water quality, nutrient cycling, and contaminant transport in complex subsurface systems. The research agenda is relevant to UK water authorities and environmental agencies seeking evidence-based predictions of Critical Zone responses.
Key measures
Reaction kinetics under varying environmental conditions (temperature, water content); transit times; tracer concentrations; biogeochemical transformations across catchment scales
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence of significant divergence between reaction kinetic theories developed in controlled laboratory settings and observations in natural catchment systems. It proposes an integrated research agenda combining intensified subsurface measurements, extended water dating methods, multi-tracer approaches, and model-informed sampling strategies to understand Critical Zone behaviour.
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