River regulation impacts riparian ecosystems by altering the hydrogeomorphic conditions that support streamside vegetation. Obligate riparian plants are often negatively impacted since they are ecological specialists with particular instream flow requirements. Conversely, facultative riparian plants are generalists and may be less vulnerable to river regulation, and could benefit from augmented flows that reduce drought stress during hot and dry periods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRiver valley floodplains are physically-dynamic environments where fluvial processes determine habitat gradients for riparian vegetation. These zones support trees and shrubs whose life stages are adapted to specific habitat types and consequently forest composition and successional stage reflect the underlying hydrogeomorphic processes and history. In this study we investigated woodland vegetation composition, successional stage and habitat properties, and compared these with physically-based indicators of hydraulic processes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo investigate climatic influence on floodplain trees, we analysed interannual correspondences between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), river and groundwater hydrology, and growth and wood (13)C discrimination (Δ(13)C) of narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia) in a semi-arid prairie region. From the Rocky Mountain headwaters, river discharge (Q) was coordinated with the PDO (1910-2008: r(2) = 0.46); this pattern extended to the prairie and was amplified by water withdrawal for irrigation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRiparian or streamside zones support dynamic ecosystems with three interacting components: flowing water, alluvia (river-transported sediments), and vegetation. River damming influences all three, and subsequent responses can provide insight into underlying processes. We investigated these components along the 315-km Hells Canyon corridor of the Snake River that included reaches upstream, along, and downstream from three large dams and reservoirs, and along the Salmon River, a free-flowing tributary.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe narrowleaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, occurs in occasionally flooded, low elevation zones along river valleys near the North American Rocky Mountains. This small poplar has narrow leaves and fine branching and thus resembles willows, which are commonly flood-tolerant. We investigated the flood response of narrowleaf cottonwoods and a related native hybrid, jackii cottonwood (P.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose/objectives: To examine the sources of uncertainty in older African American and Caucasian long-term breast cancer survivors by focusing on frequency of triggers of uncertainty about cancer recurrence and physical symptoms linked to long-term treatment side effects.
Design: In the context of a larger randomized, controlled treatment-outcome study, data were gathered from 10 monthly follow-up telephone calls by nurses.
Setting: Rural and urban regions of North Carolina.