Assessment of Imjin Riverine Wetland Function using Hydrogeomorphic(HGM) Method

초록

Wetland is an very important ecosystem to the human and living creatures. Also, it has many functions such as plant and animal habitat, flood control, water supply, water quality improvement, and so on. Despite these various functions the study of wetland in Korea is still insufficient, especially, for the assessment of functions and values of wetland ecosystem. This study assesses the functions of the Imjin Riverine wetland using Hydrogeomorphic(HGM) method which can consider hydrologic, biogeochemical and ecological characteristics of the wetland. HGM is a method which estimates the functional index of a wetland by comparing it with a reference wetland. The study area can be classified as a reference wetland and a target wetland and so we selected Upo wetland as a reference wetland. Estimated functional index of Imjin riverine wetland which is a target wetland were in the range of 0.55∼0.85. It describes that the Imjin riverine wetland is providing the functions of 55∼85% of Upo wetland. We had a difficulty in obtaining the proper and reliable data and so to obtain the reliable variables for the assessment of the functions, therefore, the long-term monitoring of the wetland are required. The assessment of wetland functions could be very useful for the wetland conservation and management.