The Wetland Continuum: A Conceptual Framework for Interpreting Biological Studies. (S10-euliss694539-oral)
Authors:
C. Euliss* - U.S. Geological Survey J.W. LaBaugh - U.S. Geological Survey L.H. Fredrickson - Univ. Missouri D.M. Mushet - U.S. Geological Survey
G.A. Swanson - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Retired) T.C. Winter - U.S. Geological Survey
D.O. Rosenberry - U.S. Geological Survey R.D. Nelson - U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Abstract:
Understanding the interplay of physical variables that drive biological communities is essential to interpret biological studies in wetlands. Foremost among these interactions are the effects of
ground-water flow systems on water permanence and salinity of prairie wetlands, including the variable response of ground-water flux to climatic cycles. The hydrologic continuum of prairie wetlands in space and time provides the necessary framework for integrating predictable and observable biological features of prairie wetlands. The continuum for prairie wetlands reflects strong relationships in both the spatial hydrogeologic characteristics among hydrologically interconnected wetlands as well as in
temporal events that modify the biological productivity of individual wetlands as they cycle between wet and dry periods. Ecosystem studies at the Cottonwood Lake area over the past 30 years illustrate how spatial and temporal hydrologic continua affects the biota of prairie pothole wetlands throughout wet and dry cycles. Data from Cottonwood Lake and numerous publications were used to develop a conceptual model for the wetland continuum proposed here to facilitate valid comparisons among studies, thereby advancing the science and management of prairie pothole wetlands.
Speaker Information: Chip Euliss, U.S. Geological Survey, USGS-Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND 58401; Phone: 701-253-5564; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 2:00 PM-4:50 PM Presentation Start: 2:05 PM
Keywords: Prairie Pothole Region; Wetlands; Marshes; Sloughs
