Examining dynamic ecohydrology in dryland riparian forests

Singer, Michael B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6899-2224, Stella, John C., Roberts, Dar and Caylor, Kelly 2026. Examining dynamic ecohydrology in dryland riparian forests. Wilcox, B.P., Asbjornsen, H., Creed, I.F., Wang, L. and Smettem, K.R., eds. Routledge Handbook of Terrestrial Ecohydrology, London: Routledge, pp. 319-330. (10.4324/9781003383918-29)

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Abstract

Riparian zones are hot spots of biodiversity, supporting vegetation assemblages that exist within narrow bands adjacent to rivers, where root-zone water is often assumed to be abundant. However, water availability is strongly controlled by dynamic climate variability in conjunction with local substrate and topographic heterogeneity. With climate warming, riparian vegetation is increasingly vulnerable to drought and anthropogenic influences, which threaten this critical biome globally, particularly in dryland regions. Here we present a set of methodological approaches to understand riparian ecohydrology relationships, highlighting dynamic responses of vegetation to water availability within water-limited basins that are broadly representative of the range of conditions in dryland regions globally. These examples emphasize the role of shallow groundwater in supporting riparian trees that serve as foundation species for these critical biomes. We show how different methodological advances can support detailed analysis into the vulnerability of riparian trees under climate-controlled water scarcity. Finally, we indicate threats facing riparian vegetation under an uncertain future, considering how climate change and anthropogenic pressures may reduce riparian woodlands or push these ecosystems into states of form and function not yet observed.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Physical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences
Publisher:	Routledge
ISBN:	9781003383918
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 August 2026
Last Modified:	17 Aug 2026 13:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189035

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