Name
Modelling Water Balance in a Peatland Disturbed by Seismic Line
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Description

Geologic exploration for petroleum resources has created a network of linear clearings known as seismic lines. These anthropogenic disturbances alter ecosystems by fragmenting forest cover and can alter ecosystem carbon cycling, habitat use, and water supply. Despite the potential effect of seismic lines on peatland hydrology, no studies have quantified the impact of seismic lines on peatland water balance. Apart from that, modeling hydrological processes in disturbed peatlands provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between water, vegetation, and the physical characteristics of the landscape under any disturbance. To understand the change in energy and water exchange that occur in this ecosystem as a result of seismic line disturbance, a processed-based model (CoupModel) was adopted for the study. CoupModel is a one-dimensional mass and energy transfer model that can simulate soil physics and hydrology with vertical and lateral flow within different peatland types. This study aims to understand controls on water balance in a disturbed peatland located in Fort McMurray, Alberta by comparing modelled water balance between the seismic line and in the adjacent natural area. Field measurements (2022-2023) including weather variables, soil properties, actual evapotranspiration, vegetation community composition, groundwater depths and snow survey were used to parameterize and validate the model. The findings will broaden our knowledge of hydrological conditions affected by seismic lines, providing a better understanding of ecosystem response to these disturbances and will help improve guidelines for forest restoration and peatland management.

Location Name
Conference Room - 2200
Full Address
Carleton University - Richcraft Hall
1125 Colonel By Dr
Ottawa ON K1S 5B6
Canada
Session Type
Breakout Session