Research Project:
ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND WATER QUALITY SERVICES ACROSS AN ALTERATION GRADIENT IN THE CHOPTANK RIVER WATERSHED
Location: Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory
Project Number: 1265-13610-027-04
Project Type:
Reimbursable
Start Date: Jun 01, 2007
End Date: May 31, 2010
Objective:
To quantify the ability of wetlands, along an alteration gradient, and to reduce nutrient loading in streams. Assess the impact of wetland alteration on ecosystem functioning in adjacent streams and to develop a landscape analysis tool, which can be used to estimate wetland services and guide management decisions.
Approach:
This project will employ a multi-disciplinary, multi-scale approach to meet project goals in the headwaters of the Choptank River Watershed, including depressional (e.g., Delmarva bays), flates and/or riverine wetlands. A review of past research and data collected for this project and simultaneous USGS projects will be used to build a conceptual model of ground water flow for wetlands and hydrologically linking streams in different geomorphologic settings. Information on hydrology, water chemistry, and ecological functioning will be collected at typical wetland sites, divided equally between prior-converted (drained) wetlands on cropland, restored wetlands, particularly hydrologically restored wetlands and relatively undisturbed wetlands. Remotely sensed imagery, geographic information system (GIS) technology, and simple biogeochemical relationships will be used to create a predictive landscape analysis tool, designed to support adaptive management. The potential of water quality models for the estimation of the cumulative impact of conservation practices (e.g. controlled drainage structures, cover crops, and riparian buffers) is currently being assessed by the Choptank Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP)
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