The influence of floods and precipitation on Tamarix establishment in Grand Canyon, Arizona: consequences for flow regime restoration
Mortenson SG, Weisberg PJ, Stevens LE. 2011. The influence of floods and precipitation on Tamarix establishment in Grand Canyon, Arizona: consequences for flow regime restoration. Biological Invasions; DOI 10.1007/s10530-011-0139-z
We conducted a tree-ring study to determine the relative influences of climate and hydrology on Tamarix establishment in Grand Canyon. Riparian vegetation was sparse and annually scoured by large floods until completion of Glen Canyon Dam, which allowed pioneer species, including Tamarix, to expand. Post-dam floods in the mid-1980s were associated with high Tamarix mortality but also initiated a large establishment event. Subsequent establishment has been low but continuous with some exceptions.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Mortenson, Susan; Weisberg, Peter; Stevens, Lawrence
- Date of Issue
- 2011-11-30
- Units
- GRCA
- Keywords
- Colorado River, dendroecology, Grand Canyon, Invasive Species, restoration floods, Riparian, river regulation, Tamarisk, Vegetation