2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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6/05/2017 | 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Connectivity Matters: Portfolios Of Hydrologic Connections Among Geographically Isolated Wetlands And To Rivers Are Important Determinants Of Watershed Functions | 306C

Connectivity Matters: Portfolios Of Hydrologic Connections Among Geographically Isolated Wetlands And To Rivers Are Important Determinants Of Watershed Functions

Wetlands are being lost or degraded more quickly than any other type of ecosystem. A particularly vulnerable landscape is the Prairie Pothole Region of central North America, where a vast majority of the wetlands that were left after the retreat of the last glacier have been lost over the last century due to human activities. The small and isolated nature of these “geographically isolated” wetlands means that they are often not considered worthy of protection; however, we developed both satellite-based measurements and process-based models to estimate both surface and subsurface hydrological connections at local (wetland to neighboring wetlands) and watershed (wetland to rivers) scales. We then applied the fused measurements and models to explore their determinants of biogeochemical function (e.g., nitrogen removal and phosphorus retention) and biodiversity function. Our science – both measurements and models – provides clear evidence of the interdependence of hydrologic connectivity on biogeochemistry and biodiversity and important insight into why these vulnerable wetlands must be protected to ensure watershed functions.

C33 Remote Sensing
C18 Biodiversity
S10 Understanding and predicting the effects of climate change on lake and stream fishes x 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

Irena Creed (), School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, irena.creed@usask.ca;
Irena Frances Creed is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Watershed Sciences at Western University in Canada. Her research leadership and activity have improved our understanding of watershed hydrological and biogeochemical functions under present and predicted climate scenarios. By coupling this understanding with innovative techniques in geographic information systems, remote sensing and modeling to characterize these functions, she has enabled governments to develop planning and regulatory tools in support of innovative policies designed to ensure the sustainability of watershed systems.