Wetlands and their associated wetlandscapes are strongly controlled by hydrological processes that determine water availability, connectivity, inundation patterns, and other key dynamics. These processes in turn are recently driven by climate change and human pressures, affecting ecosystem services such as water quantity and quality regulation, carbon storage, and food provision. Linking changes in water availability with pressures and services can therefore provide a stronger basis for wetland management, restoration, protection and conservation.
This session aims to address the following question: How do climatic and human pressures alter hydrological, geomorphological and ecological processes in inland and coastal wetlands and wetlandscapes, and what are the consequences for communities and society?
We welcome studies using remote sensing, hydrogeodesy, hydrological modelling and field observations to understand water-related changes in both water quality and quantity (represented by water surface area, depth, connectivity and storage). The processes seeking to be understood include hydroperiod, inundation dynamics, carbon and nutrient cycling, pollution, socio-hydrological interactions and how changes in ecosystem condition influence ecosystem services and livelihoods.
Contributions that combine multiple data sources or connect understanding of wetland processes with management and decision-making are also encouraged.