Model for the Volume-Area-Depth Relations of Midfield Ponds using LiDAR

Abstract

Small midfield ponds have important functions in the hydrology and ecology of hummocky areas of Poland. Because of their sensitivity to meteorological conditions, their number and hydroperiod are altered as a result of climate changes and agriculture pressure. Accurate estimation of the pond area and storage capacities requires upto-date high-resolution elevation data. In this paper, we developed 0.2 m and 1.0 m bare-earth DEMs from LiDAR data and compared them with DEMs obtained from old bathymetric maps. Then, we calculated A-h and V-h relations and compared them with the relations derived from simplified models describing the pond shape. The analyses showed that LiDAR data are also useful for detecting changes in the ponds morphometry.

Effect of Diverse Abiotic Conditions on the Structure and Biodiversity of Ichthyofauna in Small, Natural Water Bodies Located on Agricultural Lands

“…The agricultural landscape of the North European Plain comprises moraine hills, as well as numerous lakes and small water bodies with an area of about 1-5 ha each, which make up almost half of the waterbodies [1]. Due to their small area, in Northern America they are called prairie potholes or sloughs or kettle holes, and in Poland they are referred to as mid-field water bodies or ponds [2,3]. According to the Pond Conservation Group [4], this concept is understood as a small body of water (between 1 m 2 and 2 ha) that maintains water for at least a few months in a year.…”

“…Owing to their natural origin, they primarily occur in young glacial areas. They are characterized by rich topographical relief formed by the activity of the ice sheet and significant variability of soil moisture [3,5]. Significant impact on the water balance on these lands is exerted by meteorological conditions (e.g., rainfall and snowfall), evapotranspiration, water evaporation, runoff, and the largest groundwater exchange [6].…”