Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Enhanced understanding of CarbOn and groundWAter Dynamics in European peatlands and their related ecosystem services

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

John Connolly

Project Abstract

Wetlands are integral aquatic ecosystems at the intersection of groundwater, surface water and terrestrial surfaces. Peatlands stand out in ability provide valuable aquatic ecosystem services (ES), benefiting both society and nature. Climate, hydrogeology, hydrological and topographical positioning within the landscape and human use of peatlands together created range of peatland types and functioning within Europe and consequently a distinct diversity in ES. These ES are closely linked to the dynamics and spatial patterns of groundwater, and thereby the degree of wetness. ECO-WADE focuses on three key aquatic peatland ES: Water purification, Water regulation, Climate regulation. Maps of artificial drainage and peatland extent and land use from the partner countries will be used for model development and validation. Advanced GIS, cloud computing and geospatial machine learning (e.g. CNN) approaches will be used to model pan-European maps of land use and drain density for peatlands. This approach will use Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery data to assess peatland land use across Europe and very high-resolution remote sensing to assess peatland drainage. Geospatial techniques will be used to analyse the drainage density (i.e., identify areas of high and low density and thereby inferring the overall drainage condition) and assess the extent of different land usage on peatlands.

Grant Approved

€149,361.40

Research Hub

Protecting and Restoring Our Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

03/03/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

02/09/2026