Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS45 Temporary Aquatic Ecosystems: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (Spatial and Temporal Connections)

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001, Time: 12:00:00 PM

Location: Cochiti/Taos

Simovich, M, A, University of San Diego, San Diego, USA, simo@acusd.edu

Philippi, T, , Savannah River Ecology Lab, Aiken, USA, Tomp@srel.edu

Jenkins, D, , University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, USA, jenkins.david@uis.edu

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE USE OF HYDROGEOMORPHIC MODELS FOR EPHEMERAL WETLANDS.

Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) models were developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to rapidly assess the condition of wetlands. First, regional subclasses of wetlands are established based on hydrogeomorphic factors (e.g. vernal pools). Next, the functions of the subclasses are identified (e.g. surface water storage, habitat for sensitive species) and their attributes delineated (e.g. depth, hydroperiod). Algorithms are then constructed which model how the attributes influence functions (e.g. hydroperiod affects amphibian habitat). The model then allows consultants and managers to relatively quickly assess the functions of a wetland and to evaluate change due to disturbance or restoration. While worthwhile, there are potential problems with this approach. For example, some conditions may be good for some functions and bad for others, the habitat may score some positive values even if it does not hold water, and many variables are not easily or quickly measured. This is especially true for ephemeral wetlands which may be evaluated when they are not wet (e.g. endangered aquatic species may not be seen). As such, those involved in these models should be aware of potential problems and misuse.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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