Validation areas

Validation Areas

We test to see if the developed methods in MapField can give the necessary information about hydrogeological structures and geochemical processes in the subsurface to be able to establish models for the water and N transport with a sufficiently high accuracy.

The validation is done by comparing our results with the long-term water quality monitoring data collected since 1990 in the LOOP areas which are part of the Danish National Environmental Monitoring Program, NOVANA (view the latest report in Danish (pdf)).

The LOOP areas represent different types of soil, landscapes, geology and agricultural practices. The quality of the upper groundwater, drain water and surface water is monitored with a high sampling frequency. The areas are geologically very different and represent first order hydrological catchments located either on sandy or loamy soils as shown in the map.

Sandy or loamy soils shown in a map over Denmark.

Four LOOP catchments are used for the validation of MapFields’ technologies and concept

LOOP 2 - Odderbæk (Himmerland)

LOOP 2 at Odderbæk in Himmerland is approx. 1140 ha. The northern and western parts are characterised by a slightly undulating landscape. To the east, the glacial landscape is slightly hilly, and in the southern part, a markedly flat meltwater plain is found. The soil consists of alternating clay and sand layers to great depths. The upper metre consists predominantly of sand. The dominant soils in the catchment are classified as coarse sand (72%) and fine sand (17%). Forest constitutes approx. 2% of the catchment, and the rest is agriculture.

LOOP 3 - Horndrup Bæk (Midtjylland)

LOOP 3 at Horndrup Bæk in Midtjylland is approx. 550 ha. The glacial landscape is characterised by a very hilly terrain with Ejer Bavnehøj situated in the southern part. The soil layers consist mainly of moraine clays with moraine sand and gravel in small isolated areas. Meltwater sand is found in the river basins. The dominant soil types in the catchment are classified as sand-mixed clay (70%) and clay sand (24%). Forest accounts for 18% of the catchment area, the rest being used for agricultural purposes.

LOOP 4 - Lillebæk (Fyn)

LOOP 4 at Lillebæk on Fyn is an approx. 470 ha. In the glacial landscape, the terrain is slightly sloping towards the sea, Storebælt. The soil layers consist predominantly of moraine clay with elements of meltwater sand and clay. In the deeper layers, there is a continuous layer of sand. The dominant soil types in the catchment are classified as sand-mixed clay (86%) and clay sand (4%). Forest accounts for 2% of the catchment area, 89% is used for intensive farming, and 9% of the area is roads, cities etc.

LOOP 6 - Bolbro Bæk (Sønderjylland)

LOOP 6 at Bolbro Bæk in Sønderjylland is approx. 820 ha. The glacial meltwater plain is characterised by a flat terrain sloping slightly from north-east to south-west. Soils in the catchment are classified as coarse sand soils (67%), clayish sandy soils (18%) and humus soils (14%). More than 99% of the area is used for agriculture, and only 0.4% is forest.