Ecohydrological methods for the investigation of significant damage at groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems

Farr, G.; Whiteman, M.; Jones, P.S.. 2014 Ecohydrological methods for the investigation of significant damage at groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems. In: IAH Ireland conference Proceedings 2014: The Role of Hydrogeology, Ireland, April 2014. British Geological Survey.

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Preview

Text Ecohydrological methods for the investigation of significant damage at groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems.pdf Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

This paper aims to share the experiences of UK conservation and environment agencies of implementing Water Framework Directive investigations to determine significant damage at GWDTEs (Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems). Much of this work has been driven by various members of the ‘Wetlands Task Team’ of the Water Framework Directive UK Technical Advisory Group (WFD UKTAG). A three-tier approach to site investigation is described, providing suggestions for useful sources of information to inform both initial and detailed desk studies and subsequent site investigations. Both affordable and more expensive investigative methods are described; their usefulness in terms of contributing to a final site conceptual model are discussed. The need for long term monitoring to characterise baseline conditions and incorporate hydrological extremes (wet years and dry years) is demonstrated. A summary table provides a list of investigative methods scored on their cost, time required and contribution to conceptual understanding. The importance of both hydrogeologists and ecologists working together throughout the process is stressed and the ‘ecohydrological site walkover’ is proposed as a principal activity for any site investigation.

Item Type:	Publication - Conference Item (Paper)
Additional Keywords:	GroundwaterBGS, Groundwater, Surface water interaction
NORA Subject Terms:	Hydrology
Related URLs:	http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwate...
Date made live:	19 Jun 2014 14:37 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/507428

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...