Forested Wetland Hydrology in a Large Mississippi River Tributary System

Abstract

Wetlands in the Mississippi River Valley provide numerous functions supported by prolonged periods of soil saturation or inundation. However, few studies document forested wetland hydropatterns, especially in altered systems. In this study, we evaluated hydrologic drivers of forested wetlands in the Yazoo Basin, a large Mississippi River tributary system exhibiting regional hydrologic alteration. Results from 56 water table monitoring locations indicate that precipitation induced the majority (76%) of wetland saturation events, defined as soil inundation or water tables within ≤30 cm of the surface for ≥14 consecutive days. Flooding triggered 19% of saturation events, and 5% of events occurred in response to precipitation induced high water tables followed by flood inundation. Data suggest that most wetlands examined (87%) would persist in the absence of flooding, and that duration and inundation patterns differed with dominant water source. A multi-year hydropattern analysis highlights the influence of precipitation derived saturation during low evapotranspiration winter periods, spring flood water contributions in some wetlands, and decreasing water tables throughout summer and fall. A discussion of rainfall normality and stream discharge places the dataset in a larger context. Results reflect changes in historic hydropatterns, informing efforts to maximize wetland functions during forested wetland management and restoration.