Floods and environmental flows into wetlands
Increasing anthropogenic impacts on the global water cycle are threatening fresh-
water environments such as wetlands. Monitoring the extent, depth and frequency of inundation within these environments is therefore critical for maintaining the ecological, social and economic value they provide.
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Wetlands are critical supports for ecosystems. They are important breeding sites
for migratory bird species and support native fish species. Water flows into
the systems are primarily driven by flooding and/or managed environmental flows. However, these inflows have decreased significantly due to increasing water demands for irrigated agriculture.
Quantification of water resource availability in Australia's wetlands is essential for informed management of these ecosystems. Satellites provide key information on water extent (Sentinel-2) and water surface elevation (SWOT) that, coupled with digital elevation models, can be used to determine water depth and, hence, water quantities.
There are many wetlands in Australia that have critically low levels of water being provided to them. Identifying and managing required water levels is a key component to this research, including modelling overland flow, groundwater recharge and discharge.
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