CHARACTERIZING AND MODELING N2O GAS DYNAMICS IN A GROUNDWATER-DEPENDENT WETLAND

Wetlands are considered significant sources of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and contribute directly to greenhouse gas production and consumption. However, nitrogen flux in groundwater-dependent ecosystems is complex and remains poorly understood, especially under the current climate crisis. A variety of environmental factors, including groundwater level, air temperature, pH, and soil texture, among others, influence N₂O production. In this study, historical data is used in coordination with a combined field, laboratory, and modeling approach to delineate emission rates of N₂O at Baeksukjae wetland, a groundwater-dependent wetland, in Gunsan, South Korea. At four sites, we measured in situ N₂O gas fluxes, water parameters, and soil properties to quantify input parameters necessary for Denitrification and Decomposition (DNDC) modelling. Multivariate statistical analyses are implemented to characterize relationships between environmental factors and gas flux and to evaluate the applicability and success of the DNDC model. Preliminary modeling and statistical analyses indicate strong correlations between N₂O gas production and groundwater level and air temperature. The long-term goal is the creation of a comprehensive and repeatable scheme, capable of monitoring and predicting biogeochemical changes in a variety of groundwater-dependent ecosystems under the influence of climate change.