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Effect of the Suwannee River Sill on Okefenokee Swamp water level
Author(s) -
Finn John T.,
Rykiel Edward J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr015i002p00313
Subject(s) - swamp , sill , hydrology (agriculture) , wetland , water level , geology , surface water , marsh , environmental science , ecology , geography , geochemistry , biology , geotechnical engineering , cartography , environmental engineering
An 11‐cm increase in mean water level at the Camp Cornelia boat basin in Okefenokee Swamp is attributable to the Suwannee River sill. This increase represents about 45% of the average total increase after sill construction. The remaining 55% can be explained as natural variation in the hydrologic cycle. A reduction of about 18–30% of the normal variation in water level has occurred since sill construction. Apparent surface water gradients have been substantially altered, and the potential impact area may approach 28% of the total swamp area. Changes in hydroperiod and water level amplitude in the sill impact area may affect the floristic character of the Okefenokee Swamp over the long term.