Applying natural analogues to constructing and assessing long-term hydrologic response of oil sands reclaimed landscapes

This project aimed to understand and replicate how natural boreal wetlands and forests manage water to inform the design of self-sustaining, reclaimed oil-sands landscapes in the Utikuma Region Study Area (URSA). It investigated how soil, vegetation, and geology interact across different landforms and climate conditions, particularly in areas affected by wildfire disturbance. Research was organized into three scopes: long-term catchment responses to climate cycles, hydrological and ecological processes in disturbed watersheds, and simulation modeling to guide landscape reconstruction.

The design and arrangement of wetlands, forest areas, and soil types are critical to water availability and ecosystem resilience in reclaimed oil-sands landscapes. Post-wildfire studies revealed how vegetation and peat recovery shape hydrologic function over time. The research also showed that ephemeral draws help redistribute water, and that peat depth and geology influence how ecosystems recover and evolve. The findings informed models that guide the design of various landform and landscape configurations, helping determine initial layouts for constructed catchment hummocks, forest zones, riparian corridors, and wetland/peatland ecosystems aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience.