Our studies in wet soils, not necessarily wetland soils, develop ways to estimate water table levels in these soils using soil morphology. Research includes monitoring sites with the latest automated equipment, characterizing hydraulic properties of soils, and using hydrologic models to estimate long-term water table fluctuations. These results are then related to soil color patterns so that the colors can be used to estimate long-term hydrology. Research that includes soil morphology in any aspect is led by Mike Vepraskas.

Hydrologic modeling studies are done in cooperation with the NC State Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE). We use DRAINMOD for long-term simulation of water table levels in the Coastal Plain. MODFLOW is being used to simulate groundwater flows into and out of wetland areas. Dr. Wayne Skaggs (BAE) oversees our work with DRAINMOD. Dr. Rod Huffman (BAE) leads our efforts in computing water budgets for wetlands, and in using MODFLOW to study groundwater movements.

Students interested in any of these topics, or others related to wetlands, should feel free to contact any of the faculty listed above for more information.