Landscape-scale processes influence riparian plant composition along a regulated river
Hierarchical frameworks are useful constructs when exploring landscape- and local-scale factors affecting patterns of vegetation in riparian areas. In drylands, which have steep environmental gradients and high habitat heterogeneity, landscape-scale variables, such as climate, can change rapidly along a river's course, affecting the relative influence of environmental variables at different scales. To assess how landscape-scale factors change the structure of riparian vegetation, we measured riparian vegetation composition along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, determined which factors best explain observed changes, identified how richness and functional diversity vary, and described the implications of our results for river management. Cluster analysis identified three divergent floristic groups that are distributed longitudinally along the river. These groups were distributed along gradients of elevation, temperature and seasonal precipitation, but were not associated with annual precipitation or local-scale factors. Species richness and functional diversity decreased as a function of distance downstream showing that changing landscape-scale factors result in changes to ecosystem characteristics. Species composition and distribution remain closely linked to seasonal precipitation and temperature. These patterns in floristic composition in a semiarid system inform management and provide insights into potential future changes as a result of shifts in climate and changes in flow management.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2018 |
---|---|
Title | Landscape-scale processes influence riparian plant composition along a regulated river |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2017.10.001 |
Authors | Emily C. Palmquist, Barbara Ralston, David M. Merritt, Patrick B. Shafroth |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Arid Environments |
Index ID | 70192839 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Southwest Biological Science Center |
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Barbara E. Ralston (Former Employee)
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Riparian Vegetation and Environmental Variables, Colorado River, 2014Data
These data consist of species relative cover, percent cover of dead plant material, percent cover of soil and rock, and a variety of broad - and local- scale environmental variables. These data relate to sample sites along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon between Lees Ferry and river mile 245. The plant and ground cover data included here were originally collected as a part of annual vegeta - Connect
Barbara E. Ralston (Former Employee)
Bureau Approving Official, Biologist