Transient Functioning of a Groundwater Wetland Complex, Allequash basin, Wisconsin

Background/Need: The location of wetlands in the transition zone between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the associated cycling of wet and dry periods creates a unique and ecologically/environmentally important hydrological environment. Wetlands are important for fostering
nutrient transformation, floodwater retention, and as areas of groundwater recharge/discharge. However, there are few studies that focus on identifying processes that control the flow of groundwater in peat dominated wetlands. Identification of processes that control flux, flow paths and residence times of groundwater are critical in quantifying chemical and biological cycles within wetland ecosystems.

Objectives: The objective of the research was to identify controls on groundwater flux, flow directions and residence time of water within a fen/stream complex within the Allequash basin in Vilas County, northern Wisconsin, using fine scale spatial and temporal field measurements in combination with a calibrated groundwater flow and heat transport model.