Headwater Wetlands or Headwater Streams? Hydrologic Connectivity and Flow Generation from California Vernal Pool Wetlands to Downstream Waters

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

Hydrologic flow paths connect landscapes in four dimensions – longitudinally, laterally, vertically, and through time. These flow paths are dynamic, expanding and contracting in response to seasons, antecedent conditions, and the frequency and duration of storm events. Headwater wetlands are connected to downstream waters along a continuum controlled by watershed wetness; at various times and locations, wetlands are connected or disconnected by groundwater and/or surface-water flows. When and where connected, headwater wetlands are integrated into the flow path network and can serve as significant sources of streamflow generation for downgradient streams and rivers. Five years of precipitation and stage data were collected in vernal pool wetlands and sequentially downstream vernal swales and intermittent streams to the Sacramento River in the northern Central Valley of California. Analyses indicated that the annual number of days of flow in these regional intermittent streams is positively and linearly correlated to watershed area. During storm events, flood peaks are consistently evident first in vernal pools and then propagate sequentially downstream through vernal swales and intermittent streams to the Sacramento River at celerities consistent with expected flood wave velocities in this physiographic region. Results show that in wet years, these wetland features are significant sources of streamflow for approximately 3 months per year, and therefore play an important role in maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of downstream waters. These results have important implications for understanding the role of wetlands in intermittent stream networks.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Apr 9 2021
EventUniversity of South Florida Graduate Research Symposium -
Duration: Apr 9 2021 → …

Conference

ConferenceUniversity of South Florida Graduate Research Symposium
Period4/9/21 → …

Disciplines

  • Geology
  • Hydrology
  • Water Resource Management

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