Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction
Abstract This study explores the impact of deep (5–40 m) critical zone (CZ) structure on vegetation distribution in a semiarid snow‐dominated climate. Utilizing seismic refraction surveys, we identified a significant negative correlation between seismically derived saprolite thickness and light dete...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Vadose Zone Journal |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/vzj2.70006 |
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| author | B. A. Flinchum D. Hagan C. J. Harman |
| author_facet | B. A. Flinchum D. Hagan C. J. Harman |
| author_sort | B. A. Flinchum |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study explores the impact of deep (5–40 m) critical zone (CZ) structure on vegetation distribution in a semiarid snow‐dominated climate. Utilizing seismic refraction surveys, we identified a significant negative correlation between seismically derived saprolite thickness and light detecting and ranging‐derived vegetation heights (R = −0.66). We argue that CZ structure, specifically shallow fractured bedrock under valley bottoms, provides moisture near the surface where trees are established—suggesting the trees are situated in locations with access to nutrients and water. This work provides a unique spatially exhaustive perspective and adds to growing evidence that in addition to other factors such as slope, aspect, and climate, deep CZ structure plays a vital role in ecosystem development. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1f59cee0751c4fe1babdc863e50a5f30 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1539-1663 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Vadose Zone Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-1f59cee0751c4fe1babdc863e50a5f302025-08-20T03:24:02ZengWileyVadose Zone Journal1539-16632025-05-01243n/an/a10.1002/vzj2.70006Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refractionB. A. Flinchum0D. Hagan1C. J. Harman2School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Clemson University Clemson South Carolina USADepartment of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University Clemson South Carolina USADepartment of Environmental Health and Engineering Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USAAbstract This study explores the impact of deep (5–40 m) critical zone (CZ) structure on vegetation distribution in a semiarid snow‐dominated climate. Utilizing seismic refraction surveys, we identified a significant negative correlation between seismically derived saprolite thickness and light detecting and ranging‐derived vegetation heights (R = −0.66). We argue that CZ structure, specifically shallow fractured bedrock under valley bottoms, provides moisture near the surface where trees are established—suggesting the trees are situated in locations with access to nutrients and water. This work provides a unique spatially exhaustive perspective and adds to growing evidence that in addition to other factors such as slope, aspect, and climate, deep CZ structure plays a vital role in ecosystem development.https://doi.org/10.1002/vzj2.70006 |
| spellingShingle | B. A. Flinchum D. Hagan C. J. Harman Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction Vadose Zone Journal |
| title | Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| title_full | Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| title_short | Exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| title_sort | exploring the connection between critical zone structure and tree distribution in a semiarid eroding landscape with shallow seismic refraction |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/vzj2.70006 |
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