Evaluating the integrity of forested riparian buffers over a large area using LiDAR data and Google Earth Engine.

Spatial and temporal changes in land cover have direct impacts on the hydrological cycle and stream quality. Techniques for accurately and efficiently mapping these changes are evolving quickly, and it is important to evaluate how useful these techniques are to address the environmental impact of land cover on riparian buffer areas. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the classes and distribution of land cover in the riparian areas of streams; (2) examine the discrepancies within the existing land cover data from National Land Cover Database (NLCD) using high-resolution imagery of the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) and a LiDAR canopy height model; and (3) develop a technique using LiDAR data to help characterize riparian buffers over large spatial extents.

Monitoring spatial and temporal variation of dissolved oxygen and water temperature in the Savannah River using a sensor network.

Dissolved oxygen is a critical component of river water quality. This study investigated average weekly dissolved oxygen (AWDO) and average weekly water temperature (AWT) in the Savannah River during 2015 and 2016 using data from the Intelligent River sensor network. Weekly data and seasonal summary statistics revealed distinct seasonal patterns that impact both AWDO and AWT regardless of location along the river.