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The wetland sub-model of the Integrated Ecological Response Model (IERM) was modified to accommodate simulations of the full 50,000-year stochastic supply sequence. The wetland model for use with the long-term stochastic series predicted the elevation range and area associated with each of the four major plant communities on an annual basis. The results for the 50,000-year simulations were used to develop frequency distribution plots, which can be used to evaluate the relative performance of each regulation plan in terms of maximizing meadow marsh and emergent marsh area over the long-term. The figures show the 50,000-year frequency distribution of total surface area for the meadow marsh and emergent marsh communities. In these plots, the X-axis represents the percent of years with the total Lake Ontario wetland area in a given vegetation type less than or equal to the corresponding area, with the 50th percentile value representing the median surface area for the entire set of 50,000-year results. The Y-axis represents the total surface of the plant community (meadow marsh or emergent marsh) associated with the various percentiles. The results shown include the total sum of wetland areas associated with each of the four geomorphic types, including barrier beach, drowned river mouth, open embayment, and protected embayment wetlands. To view the results, select Meadow Marsh or Emergent Marsh from the drop down menu and click "View Graph Now!".
