Hydrological dynamics of the “Mertve ozero” station and its impact on the ecosystems of the “Drevlyanskyi” nature reserve

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33730/2310-4678.4.2025.346181

Keywords:

water balance, climate change, waterbody monitoring, hydrophilous vegetation, wetland ecosystems

Abstract

The Mertve Ozero monitoring site, located within the Drevlianskyi Nature Reserve, is a unique natural object that combines the maintenance of the hydrological balance and the biological diversity of the protected area. In recent years, significant climatic changes have been observed, characterized by a marked increase in mean daily air temperature and a decrease in moisture availability, which in turn have led to a reduction in the area of the water surface. The basis for monitoring includes cartographic materials (Earth remote sensing data), meteorological records, and field investigations. According to the study, the area of the water surface at the Mertve Ozero test plot during 2017–2025 experienced substantial seasonal and interannual fluctuations driven by the amount of atmospheric precipitation and the thermal regime. Maximum water-surface areas began to be recorded in March–April 2023, while complete inundation occurred in spring 2024 (2.46–3.09 ha), associated with intensive spring flooding. During the summer period, a gradual decrease in the lake area was observed due to rising air temperatures and enhanced evaporation. Transformations of the vegetation cover were also identified, including the disappearance of certain hydrophilous species and the predominance of mesophytic vegetation under conditions of temporary lake desiccation. It was established that the hydrological dynamics of the lake affect the spatiotemporal organization of ecosystems within its surrounding area. The study lays the groundwork for the implementation of systematic monitoring of the water surface of the site and its phytodiversity, with the aim of developing a management plan for restoring the hydrological regime of the protected area in the context of climate change and optimizing the management of nature conservation areas. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the hydrological regime of the Mertve Ozero site is closely linked to the overall ecological situation across the entire Drevlianskyi Nature Reserve and serves as a rationale for the active study and protection of small water bodies in the Polissia region.

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Published

2025-11-14

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No. 4 (2025)

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