Groundwater–surface water interactions in wetlands for integrated water resources management (preface)

Abstract

Groundwater–surface water interactions constitute an important link between wetlands and the surrounding catchment. Wetlands may develop in topographic lows where groundwater exfiltrates. This water has its functions for ecological processes within the wetland, while surface water outflow from the wetland may provide water downstream. Wetlands may also receive inflowing surface water, which may become relatively stagnant giving rise to groundwater recharge. This transition of surface water to groundwater provides groundwater resources for human and ecological purposes further down the groundwater basin. Groundwater–surface water interactions in wetlands thus play an important role with respect to spatial and temporal availability of both surface water and groundwater in the entire basin. Understanding (natural) groundwater–surface water interactions may help water resources managers to deal with such issues as flood mitigation, groundwater exploitation, and biodiversity conservation, in a more integrated and sustainable manner.