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[ID: 127] Using wetland restoration as a tool to mitigate runoff extremes

PI: Shirin Karimi

Restoration of drained wetlands to more pristine conditions is considered as one of the most important strategies to avoid catastrophic effects of hydrological extremes. This includes avoiding both flooding during large precipitation events and streams from drying out during droughts. However, the science underpinning this strategy is largely missing, and in fact, the few scientific studies of pristine wetland systems in Sweden do not support the notion that wetland restoration necessarily is the best strategy to alleviate extreme weather impacts. To overcome this lack of scientific arguments and to close the gap between science and management, we will utilize a unique collection of hydrological field observations and modelling to address the question whether restored wetlands are more effective in mitigating both flooding events and low flow conditions than leaving historically drained wetlands as they are. To do this, we will take full advantage of one of the most advanced field research infrastructures, the Krycklan Catchment Study (KCS, www.slu.se/Krycklan). By combining a state-of-the-art methodology for estimating water storage and release dynamics, we will evaluate and compare the role of i) pristine wetlands without drainage, ii) historically drained wetlands carried out in the 1930s to improve forest productivity, iii) newly ditched-cleaned wetlands for forestry production and, iv) recently restored wetlands.

hydrological extremeswetland restorationmodellingmanagement strategykrycklan catchment