Abstract
The hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecological characteristics of a 30 ha Cypress-tupelo flood plain swamp in Southern Illinois are studied. The hydrology, chemistry, sediment dynamics, and ecosystem productivity for the swamp are described, and interactions with the adjacent Cache river are emphasized. Annual hydrology budgets for the swamp show inflows of 74.4 cm throughfall, 63.9 cm runoff, and 21.9 cm groundwater. Outflows are 72.8 cm evapotranspiration, 54.9 cm surface outflow, and 21.0 groundwater. Loading rates for several chemical parameters from the swamp to the river are calculated, and water chemistries of the swamp and river are contrasted. A phosphorus budget determined for the swamp indicates that the flooding river contributes over 10 times the phosphorus to the swamp as is discharged during the rest of the year.