Reference Simulations for Evaluating Wetland Hydrology 1

R.W. Skaggs, W.F. Hunt, G.M. Chescheir, D.M Amatya 2

Abstract

This paper presents the concept of using Reference Wetland Simulations (RWS) and short-term water table records to determine the wetland hydrologic status of a site. A reference wetland is defined as a site that barely satisfies wetland hydrologic criterion. Parameters characterizing reference wetlands can be identified and their hydrology predicted using computer simulation models such as DRAINMOD. Analyses of four soils showed that, when the water table is within 30 cm of the surface, the RWS is nearly independent of soil type, drain depth and surface depressional storage. These results indicate that a single RWS, computed with weather data for the monitoring period, can be used to interpret water table data for a wide range of soils and boundary conditions.

1. Paper of the Journal Series of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695. This research was supported in part by the Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
2. R.W. Skaggs, William Neal Reynolds Professor and Distinguished University Professor; W.F. Hunt, Graduate Assistant; G.M Chescheir, Research Associate; D.M. Amatya, Research Associate, respectively, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625.