T. S. Gala^1,, D. Young²

Wetlands that form in topographically low-lying basins have attracted several studies for their environmental values, functions and unique vulnerability to the impacts of climate and land use changes. Several studies have examined the wetlands’ formation, spatiotemporal hydrodynamics, hydrologic controls, and mitigations efforts. This paper briefly summarizes current advances in theoretical understanding of hydrodynamics, ecosystem functions and conditions of these geographically isolated depressional wetlands. It further examines opportunity cost of the wetlands’ mitigation, environmental stressors and values of restored wetlands. The paper has identified knowledge gaps, suggesting important considerations for future research planning and developed schematic diagrams that would aid the understanding and education of the depressional wetland’s ecosystem.

depressional wetlands, wetland ecosystem, hydrodynamic, hydrologic functions, wetland vulnerability and protection