We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
An Ecogeomorphic Framework Coupling Sediment Modeling With Invasive Riparian Vegetation Dynamics.
- Authors
Gilbert, Jordan T.; Wilcox, Andrew C.
- Abstract
Feedbacks between geomorphic processes and riparian vegetation in river systems are an important control on fluvial morphodynamics and on vegetation composition and distribution. Invasion by nonnative riparian species alters these feedbacks and drives management and restoration along many rivers, highlighting a need for ecogeomorphic models to assist with understanding feedbacks between plants and fluvial processes, and with restoration planning. In this study, we coupled a network‐scale sediment model (Sediment Routing and Floodplain Exchange; SeRFE) that simulates bank erosion and sediment transport in a spatially explicit manner with a recruitment potential analysis for a species of riparian vegetation (Arundo donax) that has invaded river systems and wetlands in Mediterranean climates worldwide. We used the resulting ecogeomorphic framework to understand both network‐scale sediment balances and the spread and recruitment of A. donax in the Santa Clara River watershed of Southern California. In the coupled model, we simulated a 1‐year time period during which a 5‐year recurrence interval flood occurred in the mainstem Santa Clara River. Outputs identify key areas acting as sources of A. donax rhizomes, which are subsequently transported by flood flows and deposited in reaches downstream. These results were validated in three study reaches, where we assessed postflood geomorphic and vegetation changes. The analysis demonstrates how a coupled model approach is able to highlight basin‐scale ecogeomorphic dynamics in a manner that is useful for restoration planning and prioritization and can be adapted to analogous ecogeomorphic questions in other watersheds. Plain Language Summary: The interactions between river flows and plants control how the physical river environment and the river's plant communities respond to floods and change through time. For this reason, vegetation models coupled with sediment models can help to advance understanding of river systems. Invasive vegetation is common in rivers throughout the world, and can change these interactions. In this study, we combined a vegetation model and a sediment model to understand the spread of an invasive plant, Arundo donax, in the Santa Clara River watershed of Southern California. By doing so, we found that particular river reaches act as a source of invasive plants that can then move downstream and reestablish lower in the watershed. This approach demonstrates the usefulness of these coupled models for answering questions about river systems and for planning restoration and management actions. Key Points: Basin‐scale ecogeomorphic models provide insights into physical and ecological dynamics of fluvial systems and can guide managementInvasive species such as Arundo donax, which is modeled here, alter ecogeomorphic feedbacks and are influenced by sediment balancesCoupling a vegetation recruitment model with a model of sediment balances and floodplain erosion highlighted invasive‐plant source areas
- Subjects
ECOGEOMORPHOLOGY; GEOMORPHOLOGY; SEDIMENTATION &; deposition; RIPARIAN ecology; VEGETATION &; climate
- Publication
Journal of Geophysical Research. Earth Surface, 2021, Vol 126, Issue 6, p1
- ISSN
2169-9003
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1029/2021JF006071