The Recharge‐Discharge Function of Wetlands Near Juneau, Alaska: Part I. Hydrogeological Investigations

Water levels in piezometers and the hydraulic conductivity of organic and mineral soils were measured during spring and summer 1986 to evaluate the recharge‐discharge function of wetlands in the vicinity of the Mendenhall Valley near Juneau, Alaska. Computer modeling experiments were also done to evaluate the function of a large patterned fen. The blanket bogs are probably recharge zones, whereas forested wetlands are discharge zones. Approximately the upper third of the patterned fen is a ground‐water recharge zone, whereas its northern margin receives ground‐water discharge from flow systems recharged on moraines. The amounts of wetland recharge and discharge are very small. Recharge from wetlands to viable aquifers is probably less than 1% of the total annual recharge to the aquifer system. The amount of ground‐water discharge to streams from wetlands is too small to measure.