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Physiological Ecology and EcohydrologyThe form, function, and productivity of wetland communities are influenced strongly by the hydrologic regime of an area. Wetland ecosystems persist by depending upon surpluses of rainfall, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and frequency and amplitude of water level fluctuations. Wetland vegetation can also influence ecosystem water budgeting through conservative water- and carbon-use strategies. For example, scientists studying the physiological ecology of the Palmyra Atoll, a U.S. territory located in the Pacific Ocean, have found that sea-level rise, rainfall variability, and introduced plants are important factors driving changes on low-lying atolls. The National Wetlands Research Center is investigating whether root-zone competition for fresh water is an important factor allowing non-native coconut palms to expand into native Pisonia grandis forests. Palmyra is critical to researchers because it offers scientists an opportunity to study how undisturbed ecological communities are structured and function. In 2001, Palmyra's tidal lands, submerged lands, and surrounding waters were designated as a National Wildlife Refuge by the Department of the Interior to preserve the natural character of fish, wildlife, plants, coral reef communities, and other resources.
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
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Page Last Modified: Monday, 31-Dec-2012 11:31:20 EST
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