A review of research on wetland ecohydrology

Ecohydrology provides a framework to assess pressing environmental issues related to water and ecological degradation of wetland ecosystem. The ensuing discipline, wetland ecohydrology, can thus be used to promote conservation and rehabilitation programs, integrated water resources management as well as watershed-scale climate change mitigation measures. In this paper, we summarize the historical development of wetland ecohydrology using literature bibliometric analysis. We present a comprehensive survey of major research programs and key academic conferences on wetland hydrology, ecohydrology and water resources. Three developmental eras of wetland ecohydrology are broadly proposed:① the embryonic era (the 50-80th of the 20th century), ② the developement era (the 90th of the 20th century) and ③ the flourishing era (from 2000 up till now). Each area is characterized by representative research achievements; illustrating the progress of wetland ecohydrology. We conclude that future research on wetland ecohydrology will primarily focus on the study of:① multi-factors, multi-processes and multi-scale interactive mechanisms between ecology and hydrology of wetlands; ② response mechanisms of wetland ecohydrology to climate change and potential adaptive regulations; ③ coupled hydrological-ecological-social interactions and mutual feedback mechanisms of wetland systems; ④ integrated water resources management for efficient allocation of water to wetlands. Finally, given the current situation, we present preferential research areas and suggestions for future development of wetland ecohydrology in China.