Accession Number:

ADA399405

Title:

Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions: Guidelines for Developing Regional Guidebooks. Chapter 4. Developing Assessment Models

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER VICKSBURG MS ENVIRONMENTAL LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Smith, R. D.
• Wakeley, James S.

Report Date:

2001-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

31.0

Abstract:

In the Hydrogeomorphic HGM Approach, assessment models are a simple representation of the functions performed by wetland ecosystems. The purpose of an assessment model is to estimate the magnitude at which a wetland performs a function relative to similar wetlands in the region. Model variables represent attributes and processes of the wetland ecosystem and the surrounding landscape that influence the ability of the wetland to perform a function. They are quantitatively measured or qualitatively estimated in the field using a standard sampling protocol. This chapter introduced the initial steps in the development of assessment models under the HGM Approach. The initial steps considered here include 1 selection and definition of wetland functions, 2 identification of model variables and field measures, and 3 construction of aggregation equations for deriving functional indices. Other chapters in this volume consider other steps related to the development of assessment models including identification of reference wetlands chapter 3, collection and management of reference data chapter 5, analysis of reference data and calibration of assessment models Chapter 6, and verification and validation of assessment models Chapter 7.

Descriptors:

• *WETLANDS
• NATURAL RESOURCES
• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
• ECOSYSTEMS
• GEOMORPHOLOGY
• WATER RESOURCES
• INSTRUCTION MANUALS
• GEOLOGIC MODELS
• HYDROGEOLOGY

Subject Categories:

• Ecology
• Hydrology, Limnology and Potamology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE