Field-scale transport through unsaturated soil is influenced by surface and subsurface boundary conditions, and the spatial variability of state soil variables. The objective of this thesis is to examine the relative importance of the spatial redistribution of surface water versus spatial variability of soil properties on long-term transient water flow and transport under semi-arid conditions. The field-scale transport (34 yr) of a surface applied tracer (chloride), spatial variability of other pedogenic tracers, and surface water redistribution over a 19 mo fallow period were measured in a catchment basin. In 1966 and 1971, a chloride tracer (KCl) was surface applied to plots (6.1 m x 90 m, Chernozemic soil) near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2000 and 2001, 262 soil cores were taken along and perpendicular to one KCl strip. Soil layering at each core was recorded and samples were analysed for chloride concentration, electrical conductivity, bulk density and water content. Sulphate and nitrate concentrations were measured on selected cores. The site is level by common definitions, with a very slight concave depression (1.8% grade) midway along the KCl strip and a slight grade (¡Ü2.1%) perpendicular to the KCl strip. Measured water recharge indicated slight differences in surface slope had a marked effect on redistribution of water and spatial distribution of the chloride tracer. An estimated 90% of redistributed water was subsequently used by plants and 10% resulted in an increase in deep drainage. A varved layer had a strong influence on the subsurface redistribution of water and chloride below the root zone. There were sharp horizontal transitions between areas of slow and faster transport, which corresponded to sharp increases in catchment area and water recharge. Small surface depressions, which controlled pedogenic transport and soil formation, have been filled in by tillage translocation. Spatial variability of soil horizon thickness (and associated hydraulic properties) had little effect on transport of chloride after 34 yr. Computer simulations also suggest substantial surface redistribution of precipitation and snowmelt. In contrast to the measured chloride data, the model was sensitive to changes in hydraulic properties and horizon thickness in the root zone. Surface water redistribution was the primary factor controlling long-term transport.

Semi-arid regions, like the Okanagan Basin of British Columbia, Canada, are often faced with the difficulty of managing limited groundwater and surface water resources while accommodating rapid population growth and increasing land development. In the South Okanagan Basin, a better understanding of groundwater recharge sources, groundwater availability and susceptibility of water supplies to anthropogenic contamination is needed to best direct and protect the regions water resources. The purpose of this study was: (1) to characterize the regional hydrogeological setting of the South Okanagan Basin by establishing an isotopic and geochemical framework that included precipitation and surface waters of the Okanagan Basin and groundwaters of the South Okanagan Basin; and (2) to characterize nitrate contamination and its sources in shallow groundwaters of the Osoyoos area. Stable isotopes of water, nitrate and dissolved oxygen, groundwater chemistry, water levels and enriched tritium, tritium/helium and/or radiocarbon age dating techniques were used. Two provisional local meteoric water lines were established for the Okanagan Basin: &delta2H=6.06&delta18O31.21 (Osoyoos) and &delta2H=7.03&delta18O-12.68 (West Kelowna). Surface waters of the Okanagan River system were sources of irrigation water in the South Okanagan Basin valley and irrigation-return flow was the primary source of recharge for shallow groundwaters. Fractured bedrock in highlands east and west of the valley were not a significant source of recharge for shallow valley groundwater, however, may recharge deeper, or basal, valley deposits. As irrigation-return flow controls shallow groundwater dynamics in the valley sediments, groundwater quality is susceptible to anthropogenic contamination. In Osoyoos, nitrate was present in shallow groundwaters at concentrations of up to 24.4 mg/l N as a result of fertilizer nitrogen applied at the soil surface, mostly at orchards. Two agricultural drainage systems in north Osoyoos discharge roughly 1,900 kg N/year from nitrate-contaminated groundwater directly into Osoyoos Lake and may contribute in part to its eutrophication.

Variations in Leaf Area Index (LAI) can greatly alter output values and patterns of various models that deal with energy flux exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere. Customarily, such models are initiated by LAI estimated from satellite-level Vegetation Indices (VIs) including routinely produced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products. However, the accuracy from LAI-VI relationships greatly varies due to many factors, including temporal and spatial variations in LAI and a selected VI. In addition, NDVI products derived from various sensors have demonstrated variations in a certain degree on describing temporal and spatial variations in LAI, especially in semi-arid areas. This thesis therefore has three objectives: 1) determine a suitable VI for quantifying LAI temporal variation; 2) improve LAI estimation by considering both temporal and spatial variations in LAI; and 3) evaluate routinely produced NDVI products on monitoring temporal and spatial variations in LAI.<p> The study site was set up in conserved semi-arid mixed grassland in St. Denis, Saskatchewan, Canada. One 600 m - long sampling transect was set up across the rolling typography, and six plots with a size of 40 × 40 m each were randomly designed and each was in a relatively homogenous area. Plant Area Index (PAI, which was validated to obtain LAI), ground hyperspectral reflectance, ground covers (grasses, forbs, standing dead, litter, and bare soil), and soil moisture data were collected over the sampling transect and plots from May through September, 2008. Satellite data used are SPOT 4/5 images and 16-day Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250m, 1km as well as 10-day SPOT-vegetation (SPOT-VGT) NDVI products from May to October, 2007 and 2008. The results show that NDVI is the most suitable VI for quantifying temporal variation of LAI. LAI estimation is much improved by considering both temporal and spatial variations. Based on the ground reflectance data, the r2 value is increased by 0.05, 0.31, and 0.23 and an averaged relative error is decreased by 1.57, 1.62, and 0.67 in the early, maximum, and late growing season, respectively. MODIS 250m NDVI products are the most useful datasets and MODIS 1km NDVI products are superior to SPOT-VGT 1km composites for monitoring intra-annual spatiotemporal variations in LAI. The proposed LAI estimation approach can be used in other studies to obtain more accurate LAI, and thus this research will be beneficial for grassland modeling.

A stochastic, compartmental Model for Adaptive Livestock Management (MALM) was developed for cow-calf enterprise for Rolling Plains of Texas from an existing model, Simple Ecological Sustainability Simulator (SESS). The model simulates forage and animal production. It runs on a monthly time step. Two stocking strategies, flexible and fixed, were evaluated at seven stocking levels for effects on forage and animal production, range condition, and net ranch income. Evaluation data were obtained from published and unpublished data from Texas A&M Agricultural Experimental Station at Vernon for Throckmorton. The model adequately simulated forage and animal production. Light fixed stocking rates and flexible stocking strategies resulted in cows of median body condition score (BCS) 5, compared to low BCS of 4 under moderate fixed stocking rate, and BCS of 3 under heavy fixed stocking. BCS declined from autumn to early spring and peaked in summer. Cows under light fixed stocking rates and under flexible stocking were heavier (460 kg) compared to those under heavy fixed stocking (439 kg). Replacement rates were lower under light stocking (22 %), compared to flexible (37 %) and heavy stocking (56 %). Calf crops were all above the reported 90 % expected for bred heifers because of the replacement policy. Flexible stocking strategy resulted in higher net income ($19.62 ha-1), compared to fixed light ($5.93 ha-1) or fixed heavy ($-17.35 ha-1) stocking strategies. Coefficient of variation (CV) in net income was highest under heavy stocking (90%) compared to light stocking (60%) and flexible stocking (50%). Maximum net income was obtained between 0.05 AUM·ha-1 and 0.13 AUM·ha-1 when fixed stocking strategy was used but when flexible stocking strategy was used maximum net income was obtained between 0.1 AUM·ha-1 and 0.17 AUM·ha-1. Range condition rapidly declined under fixed heavy stocking, increased under fixed and light flexible stocking, and remained constant under moderate flexible stocking. Heavy fixed stocking decreased range condition rapidly over a 20-year period. MALM was an effective tool to demonstrate effects of different management strategies. The model can function as a strategic or a tactical decision aid. It is concluded that there is potential for this model to assist managers in improving the sustainability of agriculture.

In a series of three studies, we assess modern debris-flow hazards in Arizona from extreme precipitation events and following wildfires. In the first study, we use a combination of surficial geologic mapping, ¹⁰Be exposure age dating and modeling to assess prehistoric to modern debris-flow deposits on two alluvial fans in order to place debris-flow hazards in the context of both the modern environment and the last major period of climate change. Late Pleistocene to early Holocene debris flows were larger and likely initiated by larger landslides or other mass movement failures, unlike recent debris flows that typically initiate from shallow (~1 m) failures and scour channels, thus limiting total volumes. In the second study we assess the predictive strengths of existing post wildfire debris-flow probability and volume models for use in Arizona's varied physiographic regions, and define a new rainfall threshold valid for Arizona. We show that all of the models have adequate predictive strength throughout most of the state, and that the debris-flow volume model over-predicts in all of our study areas. Our analysis shows that the choice of a model for a hazard assessment depends strongly on location. The objectively defined rainfall intensity-duration thresholds of I₁₀ and I₁₅ (52 and 42 mm h⁻¹, respectively) have the strongest predictive strengths, although all five of the threshold models performed well. In the third study, we explore various basin physiographic and soil burn severity factors to identify patterns and criteria that can be used to discriminate between potential non-debris-flow (nD) and debris-flow (D) producing basins. Findings from this study show that a metric of percent basins area with high soil burn severity on slopes ≥30 degrees provides a stronger discrimination between nD and D basins than do basin metrics, such as mean basin gradient or relief. Mean basin elevation was also found to discriminate nD from D basins and is likely a proxy for forest type and density, which relates to soil thickness, root density and the magnitude of post-disturbance erosion. Finally, we found that post-fire channel heads formed at essentially the same slope range (~30-40 degrees) as saturation-induced hill slope failures.

Railroad bridges and culverts in the United States are often subject to extreme floods, which have been known to washout sections of track and ultimately lead to derailments. The potential for these events is particularly high in the western U.S. due to the lack of data, inadequate radar coverage, and the high spatial and temporal variability of storm events and terrain. In this work, a hydrologic model is developed that is capable of effectively describing the rainfall-runoff relationship of extreme thunderstorms in arid and semi-arid regions. The model was calibrated and validated using data from ten storms at the semi-arid Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed. A methodology is also proposed for reducing the amount of raingages required to provide acceptable inputs to the hydrologic model, and also determining the most appropriate placement location for these gages. Results show that the model is capable of reproducing peak discharges, peak timings, and total volumes to within 22.1%, 12 min, and 32.8%, respectively. Results of the gage reduction procedure show that a decrease in the amount of raingages used to drive the model results in a disproportionally smaller decrease in model accuracy. Results also indicate that choosing gages using the minimization of correlation approach that is described herein will lead to an increase in model accuracy as opposed to selecting gages on a random basis.

Water is the most important resource on Earth. Climate and land cover changes are two important factors that directly influenced water resources. This research provides important information for water resources management and contributes on understanding of the responses of water resources to climate and land cover changes in two different climates. The Neches River watershed located in a humid subtropical climate had a 0.7 °C increase in temperature and a 16.3 % increase in precipitation. Developed and crop land covers increased whereas vegetation cover decreased, as a result of human activities. Hydrologic responses to climate and land cover changes resulted in the increases of surface runoff (15.0 %), soil water content (2.7 %), evapotranspiration (20.1 %), and a decrease of groundwater discharge (9.2 %). Surface runoff had an increasing trend with precipitation whereas soil water content was sensitive to changes in land cover, especially human intervention. The Canadian River watershed, a semi-arid watershed, experienced a 0.9 °C increase in temperature and a 10.9 % decrease in precipitation. Land cover was converted from developed and crop lands into barren land and grass covers, as a result of the decrease in human activity. The change of grass and forest covers into bush/shrub cover is thought to be linked to climate change. Surface runoff, groundwater discharge, soil water content, and evapotranspiration were all decreased by 10.2 %, 10.0 %, 7.7 %, and 9.4%, respectively. Hydrologic parameters generally follow similar patterns to that of precipitation. The trend in water resources followed a similar trend of precipitation for the two watersheds with different climates; a humid watershed and a semi-arid watershed. The humid climate watershed, the Neches River watershed, experienced increasing trends in temperature and precipitation. Groundwater discharge was sensitive to changes in land cover caused by human activities. The semi-arid watershed, the Canadian River watershed, had an increase in precipitation and a decrease in precipitation. Conversion of developed and crop land covers into barren and grass land covers was thought to be the result of the decrease in human activity. The volume of soil water was relatively offset by a combination of precipitation changes and land-cover changes.

This thesis aims to discuss the archaeological concerns about how surveys can provide data tht is meaningful to construct spatial patterning and its intricacies for inferences through altering processes diversified as cultural and natural processes. Along with that there is also a second concern dealing with the application of these theoretical issues to practical basis. It consists both methodological limits and also limits governed by the legislation of the particular area according to the aim of the study. A particular space, semi-arid climate is selected for comparing the amount of attrition and accretion caused by natural factors, to be able to apply the studies to Anatolian geography. However applications from around the world are frequently discussed here, these are mainly the case studies bringing methodological scheme for the appropriate data collection.

Arid and semi-arid basins in the Western United States (US) have been significantly impacted by human alterations to the water cycle and are among the most susceptible to water stress from urbanization and climate change. The climate of the Western US is projected to change in response to rising greenhouse gas concentrations. Combined with land use/land cover (LULC) change, it can influence both surface and groundwater resources, both of which are a significant source of water in the US. Responding to this challenge requires an improved understanding of how we are vulnerable and the development of strategies for managing future risk. In this dissertation, I explored how hydrology of semi-arid regions responds to LULC and climate change and how hydrologic projections are influenced by the choice and calibration of models. The three main questions I addressed with this dissertation are: 1. Is it important to calibrate models for forecasting absolute/relative changes in streamflow from LULC and climate changes? 2. Do LSMs make reasonable estimates of groundwater recharge in the western US? 3. How might recharge change under projected climate change in the western US? Results from this study suggested that it is important to calibrate the model spatially to analyze the effect of LULC change but not as important for analyzing the relative change in streamflow due to climate change. Our results also highlighted that LSMs have the potential to capture the spatial and temporal patterns as well as seasonality of recharge at large scales. Therefore, LSMs (specifically VIC and Noah) can be used as a tool for estimating current and future recharge in data limited regions. Average annual recharge is projected to increase in about 62% of the region and decrease in about 38% of the western US in future and varies significantly based on location (-50% - +94 for near future and -90% to >100% for far future). Recharge is expected to decrease significantly (-13%) in the South region in the far future. The Northern Rockies region is expected to get more recharge in both in the near (+5.1%) and far (+9.0%) future. Overall, this study suggested that land use/land cover (LULC) change and climate change significantly impacts hydrology in semi-arid regions. Model choice and model calibrations also influence the hydrological predictions. Hydrological projections from models have associated uncertainty, but still provide valuable information for water managers with long term water management planning.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:49:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RuyAAL_DISSERT.pdf: 2128055 bytes, checksum: 8d6cb4ba8070b2733dd933f1021d095c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-19 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligatory symbiotic organisms that associate with roots of a large number of plant taxa, and are found in all terrestrial ecosystems. These fungi promote greater tolerance to environmental stresses to associated plant, favoring the establishment of plant communities, especially where soil fertility is a limiting factor, as in the Caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian domain that has been focus of research due to its great biodiversity that can help clarify the history of vegetation in South America. Because of the ecological importance of AMF, the limited number of jobs and the potential diversity of the Caatinga, this work aims to inventory the diversity and determine AMF communities in areas with different faces occurrent in FLONA Araripe, Cear? (CE). The sample collection occurred in four periods at the beginning and end of the dry season (August and December 2011, respectively) and rainy (February and June 2012, respectively) in an area of marsh and woodland altitude of the Araripe, Crato, CE. The glomerosporos were extracted by wet sieving and centrifugation in water and sucrose (50%) mounted between slide and coverslip using PVLG and PVLG + Reagent Melzer. In total, we found 46 species of AMF distributed in eight families and 16 genera: Acaulospora (6), Ambispora (1), Cetraspora (2), Dentiscutata (5), Fuscutata (2), Gigaspora (6), Glomus (13) Intraornatospora (1), Kuklospora (1), Orbispora (1), Paradentiscutata (1), Quatunica (1), Racocetra (1), Scutellospora (2), Septoglomus (2) and a new genus. analysis showed that ecological each area of study has its own seasonal dynamics, with an area of woodland with a greater diversity of species throughout the year, while the marsh elevation showed greater variation in species found among the collection periods, showing that vegetation and rainfall has strong influence on the seasonal dynamics of AMF, as well as the availability of nutrients and soil pH so / Os fungos micorr?zicos arbusculares (FMA) s?o organismos simbiontes obrigat?rios de ra?zes de vasto n?mero de t?xons vegetais, sendo encontrados em todos os ecossistemas terrestres. Estes fungos promovem maior toler?ncia a estresses ambientais aos vegetais associados favorecendo o estabelecimento de comunidades vegetais, especialmente quando a fertilidade do solo ? fator limitante, como em ?reas de Caatinga, dom?nio exclusivamente brasileiro que vem sendo foco de pesquisas em fun??o da particular biodiversidade que pode proporcionar maior compreen??o da hist?ria vegetacional de parte da Am?rica do Sul. Devido ? import?ncia ecol?gica dos FMA, ao limitado n?mero de trabalhos e o potencial em diversidade da Caatinga, este trabalho visa inventariar a diversidade e determinar as comunidades de FMA em ?reas com diferentes fisionomias ocorrentes na FLONA Araripe, Cear? (CE). A coleta das amostras ocorreu em quatro per?odos, no in?cio e final da esta??o seca (agosto e dezembro de 2011, respectivamente) e chuvosa (fevereiro e junho de 2012, respectivamente) em uma ?rea de brejo de altitude e de cerrad?o da Chapada do Araripe, Crato, CE. Os glomerosporos foram extra?dos por peneiramento ?mido e centrifuga??o em ?gua e sacarose (50%), montados entre l?mina e laminula utilizando PVLG e PVLG + Reagente de Melzer. No total, foram encontradas 46 esp?cies de FMA distribuidas em oito fam?lias e 16 g?neros: Acaulospora (6), Ambispora (1), Cetraspora (2), Dentiscutata (5), Fuscutata (2), Gigaspora (6), Glomus (13), Intraornatospora (1), Kuklospora (1), Orbispora (1), Paradentiscutata (1), Quatunica (1), Racocetra (1), Scutellospora (2), Septoglomus (2) e um novo g?nero. An?lises ecol?gicas mostraram que cada ?rea de estudo apresenta din?micas sazonais pr?prias, com a ?rea de cerrad?o com maior diversidade de esp?cies ao longo do ano, enquanto que o brejo de altitude mostrou maior varia??o nas esp?cies encontradas entre os periodos de coleta, mostrando que a vegeta??o e a pluviosidade tem forte influ?ncia na din?mica sazonal dos FMA, assim como a disponibilidade de nutrientes e o pH so solo