Processes that drive variability in catchment solute sourcing, transformation, and transport can be investigated using concentration–discharge (C–Q) relationships. These relationships reflect catchment and in-stream processes operating across nested temporal scales, incorporating both short and long-term patterns. Scientists can therefore leverage catchment-scale C–Q datasets to identify and distinguish among the underlying meteorological, biological, and geological processes that drive solute export patterns from catchments and influence the shape of their respective C–Q relationships. We have synthesized current knowledge regarding the influence of biological, geological, and meteorological processes on C–Q patterns for various solute types across diel to decadal time scales. We identify cross-scale linkages and tools researchers can use to explore these interactions across time scales. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of C–Q temporal dynamics as reflections of catchment and in-stream processes. We also lay the foundation for developing an integrated approach to investigate cross-scale linkages in the temporal dynamics of C–Q relationships, reflecting catchment biogeochemical processes and the effects of environmental change on water quality.

中文翻译：

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跨时间尺度的流域浓度-流量关系：综述

可以使用浓度-排放 (C-Q) 关系来研究驱动流域溶质来源、转化和运输变化的过程。这些关系反映了跨嵌套时间尺度运行的流域和流内流程，结合了短期和长期模式。因此，科学家可以利用流域规模的 C-Q 数据集来识别和区分潜在的气象、生物和地质过程，这些过程驱动流域的溶质输出模式并影响其各自的 C-Q 关系的形状。我们综合了有关生物、地质和气象过程对昼夜至十年时间尺度内各种溶质类型的 C-Q 模式影响的最新知识。我们确定了研究人员可以用来探索跨时间尺度的这些相互作用的跨尺度联系和工具。最后，我们确定了对 C-Q 时间动态的理解中的知识差距，作为流域和流内过程的反映。我们还为开发一种综合方法来研究 C-Q 关系的时间动态中的跨尺度联系奠定了基础，反映了流域生物地球化学过程和环境变化对水质的影响。