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The Effect of Papyrus Wetlands on Flow Regulation in a Tropical River Catchment

Author

Listed:
  • Alem Oyarmoi

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Stephen Birkinshaw

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Caspar J. M. Hewett

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Hayley J. Fowler

    (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

Abstract

Africa has the largest area of wetlands of international importance, and papyrus constitutes the most dominant species for many of these wetlands. This hydrological modelling study assesses and quantifies the impacts of these papyrus wetlands on historical baseflow and quickflow, as well as future flood and low flows in the Mpologoma catchment in Uganda. Assessment over the historic period shows that wetlands strongly attenuate quickflow while moderately enhancing baseflow. They play a moderating role in most months, except for the first dry season (June and July), due to the reversal of flows between wetlands and rivers that often occur during this period. Annual estimates show that wetlands are four times better at regulating quickflow than baseflow. Examination of changes at 2 and 4 °C global warming levels (GWLs) indicate that wetlands will play critical roles in mitigating flood risks, with a lesser role in supporting low flows. Wetlands are predicted to lower future mean flood magnitude by 5.2 and 7.8% at GWL2 and GWL4, respectively, as well as halving the average number of flood events in a year, irrespective of the warming level. This work shows that papyrus-dominated wetlands strongly influence catchment hydrology, with significant roles on quickflow, including floods, and highlights the need for their conservation and protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Alem Oyarmoi & Stephen Birkinshaw & Caspar J. M. Hewett & Hayley J. Fowler, 2023. "The Effect of Papyrus Wetlands on Flow Regulation in a Tropical River Catchment," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:12:p:2158-:d:1298875
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan B Dixon & Adrian P Wood, 2003. "Wetland cultivation and hydrological management in eastern Africa: Matching community and hydrological needs through sustainable wetland use," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 27(2), pages 117-129, May.
    2. Bano Mehdi & Julie Dekens & Mathew Herrnegger, 2021. "Climatic impacts on water resources in a tropical catchment in Uganda and adaptation measures proposed by resident stakeholders," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 164(1), pages 1-22, January.
    3. Woodward, Richard T. & Wui, Yong-Suhk, 2001. "The economic value of wetland services: a meta-analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 257-270, May.
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