Mapping Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in Alberta's Oil Sands Region

This study presents the first-year results of a literature review and machine-learning modeling effort to map aquatic groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in Alberta’s oil sands region, where industrial activities can impact groundwater quality and quantity. Drawing on over 70 scientific and grey literature sources, more than 40 datasets, and a machine learning approach (MLMapper), the study identified likely GDEs—particularly wetlands and riparian zones—while noting key data gaps and offering recommendations for future model refinement.