Pseudo soil in hyper-arid ephemeral stream channel beds: Geo-ecological implications of the fluvio-pedogenic unit (FPU)

Stavi, Ilan; Gusarov, Yulia; Shem-Tov, Rahamim; Lekach, Judith

doi:10.1016/j.catena.2018.10.046

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Overall, our results are in agreement with other data from the region (Table 4). Inter-site variability in acacia mortality reported for the Arava Valley is affected by several factors, such as soil properties [39,40], fluvial processes [20,25,40], latitude [15], and anthropogenic disturbances [12][13][14]30,32]. While the effect of watershed size is still unclear [22,25], very few mortalities were documented in the Arava Sabkhas (discharge playas), probably due to their characteristic high groundwater level [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drought and Anthropogenic Effects on Acacia Populations: A Case Study from the Hyper-Arid Southern Israel

et al. 2021

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Acacia encompasses a keystone genus across the Middle Eastern and African drylands. This study assesses the dynamics of Acacia populations in two ephemeral stream channels (Nahal Naomi and Nahal Yael) in the hyper-arid Arava region following the establishment of a dam in the upstream channel of Nahal Yael and a long-term regional drought episode. The assessments were conducted at the individual and population levels, for a period of 45 years (during 1972, 1994 and 2017). In Nahal Naomi, the population increased by 35% during 1972–1994 (a relatively rainy period) and experienced low mortality (net change of +1.6% year−1). However, following a regional drought episode between 1995 and 2009, this population decreased by 57% (net change of −2.5% year−1). In Nahal Yael, the acacia population declined by 66% during 1972–1994 (net change of −1.6% year−1). Between 1994–2017, this population was co-affected by dam and drought, with no recruitment, and declined by 70% (net change of −2.0% year−1). By examining the tree’s specific location, species, age and state of preservation of dead individuals, we identified factors that influence tree mortality, and highlighted the adverse impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on Acacia populations in hyper-arid environments.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drought and Anthropogenic Effects on Acacia Populations: A Case Study from the Hyper-Arid Southern Israel

et al. 2021

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“…Soils that form within ephemeral stream floodplains can be poorly developed, commonly lacking a transition between the A and C horizons if subject to high rates of aggradation (e.g., Daniels, 2003). Impermeable carbonate‐cemented layers, termed caliche in the south‐western United States, can also be present in floodplain soils (e.g., Lekach et al, 1998; Murphey et al, 1972; Stavi et al, 2019).…”

Section: Geomorphic Characteristics and Functions Of Ephemeral Floodp...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Recognizing the ephemeral stream floodplain: Identification and importance of flood zones in drylands

Scamardo,

Wohl

2023

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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Previous syntheses of the hydrologic, geomorphic and biotic functions of floodplains have largely integrated research conducted along perennial stream networks, despite a growing body of literature on analogous functional floodplain zones along ephemeral streams. Although variable inundation characteristic of ephemeral streams complicates the delineation between channel and floodplain, ephemeral stream floodplains are distinct landforms that are hypothesized to host similar ecosystem functions as perennial stream floodplains, including the attenuation of downstream fluxes and provision of habitat to diverse flora and fauna. Here, we review the literature on dryland ephemeral stream floodplains in order to identify: (1) common definitions and styles; (2) unique hydrologic, geomorphic and biotic functions separate from uplands or channels; (3) current and future anthropogenic and natural stressors to such functions; and (4) knowledge gaps regarding research on ephemeral stream floodplains. Although active floodplain definitions follow criteria commonly used in perennial stream corridors, the extent of ephemeral stream floodplains is typically defined by less frequent floods. A set of floodplain styles emerges from the literature dependent on confinement and the presence of channelized streamflow. Functions related to attenuation and storage are typically concentrated in unconfined, channelled floodplains. The temporary storage of sediment and subsurface water in ephemeral stream floodplains makes them disproportionately important for biogeochemical cycling and hosts to richer, denser and more diverse vegetation communities compared with surrounding uplands. Many functions of ephemeral stream floodplains are also found in perennial counterparts, but variable flow regimes and sediment loads in ephemeral streams can potentially impact rates and magnitudes of comparable processes and functions. Future research needs to incorporate a holistic view of the ephemeral stream corridor—including channels and floodplains—to better understand current and future fluvial processes and cascading impacts in drylands globally.

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Evidence for an alternative concept of the Finow soil formation

Hirsch

Raab

Błaszkiewicz

2021

CATENA

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Pseudo soil in hyper-arid ephemeral stream channel beds: Geo-ecological implications of the fluvio-pedogenic unit (FPU)

Cited by 4 publications

References 32 publications

Drought and Anthropogenic Effects on Acacia Populations: A Case Study from the Hyper-Arid Southern Israel

Drought and Anthropogenic Effects on Acacia Populations: A Case Study from the Hyper-Arid Southern Israel

Recognizing the ephemeral stream floodplain: Identification and importance of flood zones in drylands

Evidence for an alternative concept of the Finow soil formation

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