Evaluation of post-wildfire runoff and erosion on semiarid ecological sites

Abstract

Field studies are being conducted to quantify runoff and erosion rates following wildfires in semiarid rangelands. Rainfall simulator experiments were conducted on two grassland sites and one oak woodland site in Southern Arizona immediately following wildfires in 2002 and 2003. The experiments applied a range of rainfall intensities between 50 and 180 mm/h. Infiltration, runoff, and erosion rates were measured for each application rate. The post wildfire runoff and erosion responses are much higher on the oak woodland site and show much more variability than the responses from the two grassland sites. The results from this and other field studies will be used to determine model input parameters for a post-wildfire erosion risk tool.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Paige, Ginger B.; Stone, Jeffry J.; Guertin, D. Phillip. 2005. Evaluation of post-wildfire runoff and erosion on semiarid ecological sites. Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 536-538