The affects of development on the drying of an urban swamp in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

The Oyama Swamp Park, located Obihiro, Hokkaido, is a remnant of much larger natural swamp. In recent years, the groundwater level has dropped and the ecosystem of the swamp is under stress. In order to identify the causes of this problem, the groundwater levels in the swamp and precipitation of the region were recorded. Also changes in residential land use patterns, and drainage systems that accompanied this urban development were studied. It was found that the drying of the swamp has not been caused by a lack precipitation but the impact residential development and drainage.