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HYDROLOGY AND LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY OF VERNAL POOLS OF THE GLACIATED NORTHEAST
Citation:
LEIBOWITZ, S. G. AND R. T. BROOKS. HYDROLOGY AND LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY OF VERNAL POOLS OF THE GLACIATED NORTHEAST. Presented at 2007 SWS International Conference - invited presentation for symposium , Sacramento, CA, June 10 - 15, 2007.
Description:
The hydrologic budget of a vernal pool influences many aspects of pool function and is the basis for pool life. Although alternating wet and dry periods occur in most wetlands, vernal pools can experience extreme moisture fluctuations. This variability results from intra- and inter-annual climatic variation, as mediated by basin and catchment characteristics. Despite adaptations to these fluctuations, pool species can go extinct locally if hydrologic conditions are sufficiently harsh. According to metapopulation theory, species should be able to persist over time if local extinctions are offset by recolonizations. Landscape connectivity makes it possible for species to disperse between vernal pools and recolonize unoccupied sites. Connectivity is greater for species with larger dispersal distances and in landscape settings with greater pool densities. Besides connections between pools, migratory species also require landscape connectivity with other core habitat areas. Hydrologic connections between vernal pools and other waters are one type of landscape connectivity. These connections can be permanent or may occur intermittently during episodic events. The role of hydrologic connectivity in pool recolonization has received little attention. Although flooding and drawdown exhibit significant temporal variability from year-to-year, any impacts that have a long-term effect on the frequency, duration, magnitude, or variability of flooding will alter community composition. Areas of impact can range in scale from individual pools to the entire glaciated northeast.