Degree
Master of Science
Program
Geography
Supervisor
Dr. Irena Creed
Abstract
Reliable estimates of wetland loss require improved wetland inventories and effective monitoring programs. To improve upon current wetland inventories, a novel method for mapping wetlands using an automated object-based approach was developed for a regional watershed located in central Alberta. This approach used digital terrain objects derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data for which 130,157 wetlands were identified. Using this LiDAR derived wetland inventory, wetland loss estimates (% number and % area) were obtained by applying a wetland area vs. frequency function to the wetland inventory for the watershed. Using this power law, it was found that historically, there has been a 69.3% number loss and a 9.96% area loss when we accounted for mixed pixels. When we removed any wetland less than the estimated minimum mapping unit (0.02 ha), a 16.17% number and a 2.56% area loss within the watershed was estimated. This wetland loss is a concern as it is concomitant with a loss of ecosystem services.
Recommended Citation
Serran, Jacqueline N., "The Preferential Loss of Small Geographically Isolated Wetlands on Prairie Landscapes" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2590.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2590