2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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6/06/2017 | 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM | INCREASED HYDROLOGIC CONNECTIVITY: HUMAN MODIFICATION OF GIW NETWORKS IN DELMARVA PENINSULA | 301B

INCREASED HYDROLOGIC CONNECTIVITY: HUMAN MODIFICATION OF GIW NETWORKS IN DELMARVA PENINSULA

Combined approaches are required to fully enumerate GIW connectivity and downstream effects. We used spatial analysis and multiple process-based hydrologic models to explore drivers of Delmarva bay hydrologic connectivity, with particular focus on increased connectivity via pervasive ditching throughout this landscape. Modeling at the wetland scale, simulation results reveal the role of channelization (primarily via ditching) among bays to increase surface outflows, with effects to wetland inundation and downgradient flows. Spatial analysis of wetland storage capacities highlights the clear effect of ditches to decrease storage capacity across the landscape. Comparison of contemporary versus historical (no ditch scenario) storage capacities aggregated at catchment scales further illustrates ditch-mediated hydrologic alteration. Building upon this analysis, we applied a catchment-scale model to simulate implications of reduced storage capacity on downstream flows, with effects evident on peak and baseflow dynamics. Our work elucidates key drivers of GIW connectivity and attendant consequences in Delmarva Peninsula while also providing new tools for application in other GIW-rich landscapes. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the US EPA or US FWS.

C09 Wetland Ecology
C36 Water Resource Management
S15 Connectivity and Effects of Carolina and Delmarva Bays, Pocosins, and other Geographically Isolated Wetlands of the Atlantic Coastal Plain

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Presenters/Authors

Daniel McLaughlin (), Virginia Tech, mclaugd@vt.edu;