Legacy Effects of Hydrologic Alteration in Playa Wetland Responses to Droughts

• DOI: 10.1007/s13157-020-01334-0
• Publication Date: 2020-07-28T17:26:17Z
• Authors: Micah T. Russell; Jennifer M. Cartw...; Gail H. Collins; Ryan A. Long; Jan H. Eitel
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water

Abstract Wetland conservation increasingly must account for climate change and legacies of previous land-use practices. Playa wetlands provide critical wildlife habitat, but may be impacted by intensifying droughts hydrologic modifications. To inform playa restoration planning, we asked: (1) what are the trends in inundation? (2) factors influencing (3) how is inundation affected severe drought? (4) do certain playas refugia during droughts, (5) if so, patterns related to historical modifications? Using remotely sensed surface-water data, evaluated a 30-year time series (1985–2015) 153 Great Basin, USA. Inundation likelihood duration increased with wetter weather conditions were greater modified playas. probability was projected decrease from 22% under average 11% extreme drought, respective annual decreasing 1.7 0.9 months. Only 4% inundated at least 2 months each 5 driest years, suggesting their potential as drought refugia. Refugial larger more likely have been modified, possibly because land managers selected refugial modification. These can efforts restore wetland functions conserve habitats change.