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Information - HS7.3 Wetland ecohydrology: interactions and feedbacks between water table, soil moisture, and vegetation (co-listed in BG)
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Event Information |
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Wetland environments are found at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They are characterized by shallow and/or fluctuating water tables, and often show waterlogged conditions. In particular, non-submerged wetlands, or “humidlands”, are characterized by the intertwined dynamics of water table and soil moisture exerting a significant control on the ecosystem. These groundwater-controlled environments include riparian zones, coastal areas, peatlands and croplands. Whether the groundwater is fed by an adjacent water body, by abundant rainfall regimes, or by irrigation, these environments tend to have complex dynamics and fragile equilibria. In fact, the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors may lead to important feedbacks between hydrological and ecosystem processes. Notable examples of these feedbacks include vegetation-water table interactions and the impact of groundwater fluctuations on species biodiversity, plant competition for resources, nutrient cycling, soil organic matter decomposition and soil salinization. The resulting delicate ecosystem dynamics are strongly influenced by climate, vegetation, and soil properties. Because natural and anthropogenic disturbances can severely affect these ecosystems, it is fundamental to understand the underlying ecohydrological dynamics and their possible response the changes in climate and hydrologic conditions.
Contributions are solicited addressing new challenging research questions on the ecohydrology of wetlands and groundwater-controlled ecosystems, including (but not limited to) soil-water-vegetation dynamics, groundwater fluctuations, plant water/nutrient uptake, and root functioning. We encourage the submission of abstracts on new theories, modeling frameworks and data analyses. We expect this session to draw the attention in particular of a broad group of scientists working in areas of hydrology, soil science, plant biology, ecology, and other environmental sciences.
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