Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 5.3 Direct and indirect impacts of climate change on wetlands
Category
Response
Indicator
Justification of indicator
Ice cover duration
Increased air
temperatures lead to a
later thaw.
Date of ice break-up
Indicates direct temperature
effects. Influences length of
season.
Retention of flood
water
Increased temperature
may lead to increased
rates of evaporation.
Water table height
Retention of flood water will
be enhanced if the water
table is lowered but reduced
if the water table is higher.
Recharge of
groundwaters
Ability to recharge
aquifers is affected by
desiccation.
Water table height
If the water table is high,
the rate of recharge of
groundwater (if any) will be
increased.
Hydrology
Retention of sediment
Scouring of sediments by
extreme weather events.
Frequency and severity of
storms
Storms and associated flash
floods and spates may wash
away sediments and
detritus, reducing their
retention.
Acquisition of carbon I
Warm and wet conditions
together increase carbon
acquisition.
temperature and
precipitation
Indicates gross C dynamics.
Acquisition of carbon II
Early snow melt followed
by wet and warm
conditions lead to high
carbon acquisition
through photosynthesis.
Date of snow melt,
temperature and
precipitation
A combination of early
spring plus wet and warm
weather promotes
vegetation growth.
Photosynthesis sequesters
carbon, while rates of
respiration remain
comparatively stable year to
year. Thus, carbon is
accumulated in these
conditions.
Physicochemistry
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