Drylands (areas characterized by low precipitation, high evapotranspiration, and low soil moisture) occupy around 40-45% of the earth’s surface. Many drylands contain high biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., livestock forage, agricultural production, pollination) for nearly 1/3 of the world’s population who live in drylands. Given limited precipitation and other resources, drylands can have abrupt responses to intensive land use and climate variability, and small environmental changes often have disproportionally large ecological effects in these systems. Our research applies remote sensing and spatial analysis to characterize and monitor dryland vegetation and soils, to help understand how land use and climate affects ecosystem processes, and to provide information on how ecological processes can be managed to accelerate recovery of disturbed and degraded lands.
This page describes some of the remote sensing methods and results of four ongoing USGS studies: 1) using Landsat time series data to measure reclamation success, 2) mapping and monitoring invasive grasses, 3) characterizing biological soil crusts and soil heterogeneity, and 4) mapping and modeling surface disturbances. Detailed webpages for research listed above found under the Related Science tab or click the underlined links.
Related Science:
1.1 Remote sensing of energy development
1.2 Remote sensing of invasive annual grasses
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Remote Sensing of Biological Soil Crusts
Soil Compaction and Erosion
Remote Sensing of Invasive Annual Grasses
Remote Sensing of Energy Development
- Overview
Drylands (areas characterized by low precipitation, high evapotranspiration, and low soil moisture) occupy around 40-45% of the earth’s surface. Many drylands contain high biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., livestock forage, agricultural production, pollination) for nearly 1/3 of the world’s population who live in drylands. Given limited precipitation and other resources, drylands can have abrupt responses to intensive land use and climate variability, and small environmental changes often have disproportionally large ecological effects in these systems. Our research applies remote sensing and spatial analysis to characterize and monitor dryland vegetation and soils, to help understand how land use and climate affects ecosystem processes, and to provide information on how ecological processes can be managed to accelerate recovery of disturbed and degraded lands.
This page describes some of the remote sensing methods and results of four ongoing USGS studies: 1) using Landsat time series data to measure reclamation success, 2) mapping and monitoring invasive grasses, 3) characterizing biological soil crusts and soil heterogeneity, and 4) mapping and modeling surface disturbances. Detailed webpages for research listed above found under the Related Science tab or click the underlined links.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Figure 1. The Sonoran Desert of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. (Credit: Miguel Villarreal, USGS. Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. Visit Media to see details.Fingure 2. University of Arizona student intern collecting field information in the Sonoran Desert.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Figure 3. A distressed desert in the Sonoran Desert of the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Arizona. Related Science:
1.1 Remote sensing of energy development
1.2 Remote sensing of invasive annual grasses
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Remote Sensing of Biological Soil Crusts
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts, photoautotrophic soil surface communities comprised of cyanobacteria, algae, bryophytes, lichens, and fungi) occur in drylands globally where they contribute to ecosystem functioning by increasing soil stability, reducing dust emissions, and modifying soil resource availability (e.g., water, nutrients) (Fig 1.3.1). Despite increasing recognition and interest in...Soil Compaction and Erosion
Extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on desert lands can directly and indirectly lead to human health problems and impact soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitat. Soil pulverization and loosening caused by OHVs contribute to dust hazards, and to respiratory illnesses and diseases (e.g., valley fever) in adjacent, downwind communities. Repeated soil compaction by OHVs can also degrade natural...Remote Sensing of Invasive Annual Grasses
One of the major ecological consequences of increasing global connectivity is the introduction, establishment, and spread of non-native species into new ecosystems. The rate and extent of biological invasions continues to increase globally, often at considerable environmental and economic costs. Once established, non-native species can transform ecosystems, complicating land management decision...Remote Sensing of Energy Development
Oil and gas development across the western United States has increased substantially in recent decades, including within the Colorado Plateau. The Colorado Plateau is a high desert region of grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands and is home to a large number of world-renowned national and tribal parks and monuments (e.g., Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and Mesa... - Data
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