Wetland Conceptual Models

Conceptual models are concise and visually stimulating illustrations that use symbols or drawings to depict the important features, processes and management challenges in particular environments. These models use the most current knowledge or understanding of an environment, presented in a way that is easy to understand. More

Mangrove Photo: Cathy Ellis Estuarine wetlands are those with oceanic water sometimes diluted with freshwater run-off from the land. Cape Bedford Photo: Nick Cuff Marine wetlands include the area of ocean from the coastline or estuary, extending to the jurisdictional limits of Queensland waters (3 nautical mile limit). This definition differs from that in Ramsar, as it includes waters deeper than 6m below the lowest astronomical tide. Chinchilla Weir Photo: Cathy Ellis Lacustrine wetlands are large, open, water-dominated systems (for example, lakes) larger than 8ha. This definition also applies to modified systems (for example, dams), which are similar to lacustrine systems (for example, deep, standing or slow-moving waters). 100 Mile Swamp Photo: Cathy Ellis Palustrine wetlands are primarily vegetated non-channel environments of less than 8 hectares. They include billabongs, swamps, bogs, springs, soaks etc, and have more than 30% emergent vegetation. Einasleigh River Photo: Cathy Ellis Riverine wetlands are all wetlands and deepwater habitats within a channel. The channels are naturally or artificially created, periodically or continuously contain moving water, or connecting two bodies of standing water. Photo: Moya Tomlinson Subterranean wetlands are wetlands occurring below the surface of the ground and that are fed by groundwater i.e. caves and aquifers. These wetlands provide water to groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Wetland conceptual models - natural processes and components

• Lacustrine
• Palustrine
• Riverine
• Estuarine
• Marine
• Subterranean (groundwater)

Click here for definitions of the above wetland systems.

The wetland conceptual models (natural processes and components) in this section provide details of the processes, features and components of different wetland types.

The information provided for lacustrine and palustrine wetland conceptual models (natural processes and components) was developed through the Queensland Wetlands Program. Information on riverine, estuarine and marine wetland conceptual models have been or are being developed by other organisations and programs and links are provided to the most appropriate corresponding information where possible.

The following conceptual models have been developed from scientific literature reviews and expert consultation to demonstrate some of the natural components and processes of the lake and swamp wetland habitat types of Queensland. They are not local scale models (however they can be used as a basis for the development of such models) and they do not show threatening processes (these are covered in the indicators and monitoring section of the website).

To navigate around these models click on icons of interest within the models or the topic buttons down the bottom of the main model or use the navigation menu on the side.

Wetland conceptual models - stressor

• Lacustrine
• Palustine
• Riverine
• Estuarine
• Marine

Click here for definitions of the above wetland systems.

The wetland conceptual models (stressor) in this section provide details of the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment that, when changed by human or other activities, can result in degradation to wetlands.

The information provided for lacustrine and palustrine wetland conceptual models (stressor) was developed through the Queensland Wetlands Program. Information on riverine, estuarine and marine wetland conceptual models have been or are being developed by other organisations and programs and links are provided to the most appropriate corresponding information where possible.

Local Area Wetland Conceptual Models

Conceptual Model Case Studies are vibrant, easy to understand illustrated guides to selected individual wetlands in Queensland. They offer site-specific, synthesised science in the form of conceptual models and text to support and inform management and cover a wide variety of wetland issues and types. The technique used for developing the conceptual models can be implemented by local wetland managers anywhere in Queensland.

Build your own conceptual models

Resources and information have been collated to help you build your own local or more specific conceptual models as the models we have provided were developed for a state wide scale.