Aquifer-wetland connections : natural processes and anthropogenic impacts

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A better understanding of wetland-aquifer interactions and how they respond to anthropogenic and climate stresses is one of the keys for enhancing water management and for the long term resilience of near-surface water reservoirs. The long-term goal of this research program is to enhance knowledge of aquifer-wetland connections in order to identify the hydrological triggers that set major and irreversible changes in wetlands. Its objectives to: (1) identify parameters and processes responsible for aquifer-wetland interactions at the local and regional scales and (2) quantify the impact of anthropogenic pressure and climate change on wetlands. In Theme I, a more complete understanding of aquifer-wetland exchange mechanisms will be achieved through field measurements of parameters and variables affecting and reflecting flow conditions. A large wetland network will be built to collect integrated data sets in locations typical of the hydrogeologic settings found in southern Canada environments (riparian and isolated wetlands, groundwater-fed peatlands). A novel approach to constrain aquifer-wetland exchange processes will be developed through the combined use of natural water tracers. Simple 2D simulations will be used to extrapolate the role of wetlands at the regional scale. In Theme II, the impact of hydrological stresses on aquifer-wetland interactions will be quantified. This involves identifying the processes controlling aquifer-wetland exchanges through a global sensitivity analysis of a fully-coupled surface-groundwater flow model. This model will also be used to identify the triggers that set major hydrologicall changes in wetlands. A simple water budget model will be developed and hydro-ecological relationships will be identified. This research program has the potential to drastically change the way groundwater and wetlands are managed together and help sustain their long term resilience. It will set a baseline for the understanding of the linkage between hydrology and key ecological processes. The impact of this research program also includes the formation of HQP (1 PDF, 3 PhD, 3 MSc and 2 BSc students).