Geomorphology influences extent and composition of riparian plant communities at the watershed scale in central Nevada

We conducted an observational study of the relationships between watershed-scale geomorphology and riparian vegetation using solely digital datasets. Watershed morphometry and geology were derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and geologic maps. Riparian corridors were classified into five vegetation types (riparian forest, riparian shrub, wet/mesic meadow, dry meadow, and shrub dry meadow) using high-resolution aerial photography. The study was conducted in eighteen small, perennial watersheds in several mountain ranges of central Nevada, USA.
Riparian ecosystems supply valuable resources in all landscapes, but especially in semiarid regions such as the Great Basin of the western United States. Over half of Great Basin streams are thought to be in poor ecological condition and further deterioration is of significant concern to stakeholders. Riparian vegetation diversity and distribution are typically described at the reach scale according to environmental gradients that occur perpendicular to the channel. Few studies have directly related watershed-scale geomorphology to riparian vegetation pattern. Watershed characteristics influence riparian ecosystems via their effects on the hydrograph, infiltration rates, sediment load, and drainage network development. Consideration of relationships between watershed-scale geomorphology and riparian vegetation could improve predictive modeling and inform restoration efforts.
Original metadata date was 08/25/2010. Metadata modified on 03/12/2013 to adjust citation to include the addition of a DOI (digital object identifier) and other minor edits. Minor metadata updates on 12/21/2016.