Flood Plain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
T1A - Introduction of non-native species.
More details -
Transition T1B
T1B - altered hydrology
More details -
Transition T2A
T2A - Altered hydrology
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Flood Plain site is found adjacent to streams in alluvial valley bottoms. The Flood Plain site experiences regular seasonal flooding, typically with surrounding mountain snowmelt in the spring. This regular flooding influences sediment deposition and plant community dynamics on the Flood Plain site by depositing fresh wet sediment where cottonwood seedlings can establish. The reference state has three community phases that represent disturbance and recovery in a hydrologically unaltered valley bottom. Community Phase 1.1 represents the plant community that has developed over time with out further flooding disturbance. It contains mature cottonwood trees and a developed shrub and grass understory. Community Phase 1.2 represents the immature and sapling cottonwood community. Community Phase 1.3 represents the site following fresh sediment deposition with early seral plant species and cottonwood seedlings present.
Characteristics and indicators
Unaltered hydrology on the site. No non-native species present.
Resilience management
Continued seasonal flooding in the flood plain is essential in maintaining the Flood Plain site in reference condition.
Submodel
Description
Non-native species such as tamarisk are dominant in the Non-Native Species Dominated State. Non-native species (example Tamarix spp.) Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) readily invades moist valley bottoms on flood plain and terrace landforms. Tamarisk changes the depositional dynamics when the associated channel has overbank floods. Deposition can increase and narrow the stream channel and create deeper bank, which then reduces overbank flooding over time, reducing the amount of disturbance on the flood plain, which alters the plant community dynamics.
Characteristics and indicators
Dominance of non-native species.
Submodel
Description
The Altered Hydrology State is typically accompanied by channelization of the stream channel. Channelization alters the relationship between fluvial landforms and the adjacent stream channel and water table. The water table is often lowered and restricted to a narrower area directly around the stream channel. Channelization also reduces the timing, frequency, and magnitude of floods that keep the fluvial landforms in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Irrigation withdrawals from the channel with or without channelization also reduce the connection between fluvial landforms and the local water table.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species (example Tamarix spp.). Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) readily invades moist valley bottoms on flood plain and terrace landforms. Tamarisk changes the depositional dynamics when the associated channel has overbank floods. Deposition can increase and narrow the stream channel and create deeper bank, which then reduces overbank flooding over time, reducing the amount of disturbance on the flood plain, which alters the plant community dynamics.
Mechanism
Altered hydrology of the valley bottom through channelization of the stream channel. Channelization alters the relationship between fluvial landforms and the adjacent stream channel and water table. The water table is often lowered and restricted to a narrower area directly around the stream channel. Channelization also reduces the timing, frequency, and magnitude of floods that keep the fluvial landforms in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Irrigation withdrawals from the channel after channelization also reduce the connection between fluvial landforms and the local water table.
Constraints to recovery
Altered subsurface hydrology.
Reconfiguration of the stream channel into an narrow channelized water conveyance.
Altered surface hydrology.
Mechanism
Altered hydrology of the valley bottom through channelization of the stream channel. Channelization alters the relationship between fluvial landforms and the adjacent stream channel and water table. The water table is often lowered and restricted to a narrower area directly around the stream channel. Channelization also reduces the timing, frequency, and magnitude of floods that keep the fluvial landforms in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Irrigation withdrawals from the channel after channelization also reduce the connection between fluvial landforms and the local water table.
Constraints to recovery
Altered water table dynamics.
Reconfiguration of the stream channel into an narrow channelized water conveyance.
Altered surface hydrology.
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.