THE USE OF HYDROLOGY, GEOMORPHOLOGY, AND ECOLOGICAL DATA IN WETLAND MODELS

Wetlands are directly influenced by hydrologic and geomorphic controls that must be taken into consideration when attempting to understand wetland responses to disturbance, provide information for better wetland management, or aid in the restoration of lost habitat. Wetland models can integrate these abiotic factors to provide a clearer understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying wetland behavior. Two examples are presented to illustrate the use of interdisciplinary modeling approaches. Wetland response to long-term climatic change is examined by focusing on the wetland hydrologic regime. A hydrologic and vegetation simulation model is described that incorporates both surface water and ground water dynamics. The effects of surrounding land use on hydrologic response is incorporated into the model and allows for examining changing land management and/or conservation practices as a means to mitigate long-term climatic effects. A second example outlines the development of a Decision Support Model that uses a Geographic Information System framework to prioritize sites for wetland restoration.