Effects of Changes in Surface Water Regime and/or Land Use on the Vertical Distribution of Water Available for Wetland Vegetation. Part I. Dynamic Model of the Zone of Aeration

摘要

The primary objective of this study was to develop a dynamic mathematical model of the zone of aeration for wetlands which describes the vertical distribution of water available for use by vegetation. A mathematical model for simulating one-dimensional vertical groundwater movement in unsaturated soils of the Kansas prairie region, was adapted for use in a wetlands environment, typified by the Eastern Arkansas wetlands forest. The adapted model consisted of two second-order non-linear partial differential equations, and an algorithm for their numerical solution. The original model was extended to include functions for seasonal changes in transpiration and for drainage of excess precipitation. The model provides a potentially versatile management tool to assist prediction of the environmental impact of proposed flood control projects.