Quantifying the Flooding Regime and Vegetation Zone in Riparian Wetlands

Abstract

Abstract Wetlands play an important role in cycling water resources, organic matter, water purification, and ecosystem conservation. Understanding flood regimes is essential for effective wetland management because it significantly influences wetland succession and circulation. This study aims to develop a methodology for quantifying flood regimes of the Jangdan Wetland (Imjin River) and the Binae Wetland (Namhan River). This study analyzed the hydrologic regime of these wetlands using the water level duration curve (LDC) based on the flow duration curve (FDC). Flood regime diagrams describing the inundation characteristics over time, were then constructed using the LDC and the digital elevation models (DEM) of the wetlands. To understand the relationship between vegetation communities and hydrologic regime in the wetland, this study classified nine vegetation zones based on the tolerance of associated plant species to inundation. The study revealed that the Jangdan Wetland were dry primarily on most days but experienced complete inundation during flooding events. In contrast, the Binae Wetlands were found to be frequently inundated, with approximately 40% of the area experiencing regular flooding, while 20% of the higher elevation areas were only inundated once every few years.