ESPM 290: Forests & Water
Last taught: Spring 2006
Next offered: Fall 2007
Instructor: Elizabeth W. Boyer, 327 Hilgard Hall. E-mail: boyer@nature.berkeley.edu, Phone: 510-643-6679, Web: http://nature.berkeley.edu/boyerlab/.
Course description. Forests are vital for rural and urban populations all over the world. They are an essential natural resource providing multiple benefits to society, and play a key role in the supply of fresh water and the regulation of climate. Changes in forested landscapes raise concerns about the volume of water flowing to streams, timing of those flows, and water quality. This seminar explores hydrology in forested watersheds and its relevance to contemporary issues. A first emphasis is hydrological processes, introducing factors that affect water budgets, flow paths, runoff generation, and water yield. A second emphasis is impacts of forest management activities on water quality and sustainability of forest resources.
Enrollment & learning objectives. This seminar is intended for graduate students who are broadly interested in environmental sciences or natural resources. No specific background in hydrology is assumed or required. All special topics seminar courses (290s) are intended for graduate students at a time when they are actively working on their thesis and laboratory research, designed to hone communication skills and to provide an overview of a specific area that is perhaps outside of their thesis research and thereby to broaden their training. Our discussions will largely be based on readings of reports & journal articles providing overviews of forest issues and detailing process studies conducted in experimental watersheds, showing how we gain understanding through research and observation. Students will:
· Participate in intellectual exchange with peers, lead classroom discussion, and interpret professional-level journal articles and reports.
· Develop a basic understanding of factors affecting hydrology and water quality in forested watersheds, and gain exposure to current issues related to management of forests (e.g., environmental problems, the provision of forest products and ecosystem services, and sustainability of forest resources). This encompasses a familiarity with vocabulary & concepts, and awareness of how measurements & observations are used to address a variety of problems. (A primary goal is exposure; a comprehensive understanding of forest hydrological processes or forest management issues cannot be expected from any seminar-style course).
Work load & grading. We will meet once weekly for ~2
hours. Our discussions will be based on
readings detailing watershed process studies providing overviews of forest
issues. The instructor will typically
provide introductory lecture material or a guest presentation, drawing from both
the required & optional readings.
Each week all students are expected to read one assigned paper prior to
class and attend class prepared to participate in the discussion (Participation
and intellectual exchange is 50% of the grade, and attendance is important). Once during the semester each student will
lead or co-lead the classroom discussion of a topic (35% of the grade),
providing a few thoughtful discussion questions in advance, and a brief
introductory presentation during class. Once
during the semester (not from the same topic/week for which you are discussion
leader) each student will write a short summary of one of the optional related
papers that accompany the week’s topic (15% of the grade). As in all classes, I expect students to follow
Course schedule:
The schedule will evolve over the course of the
semester and is subject to change.
Materials will be distributed electronically and can be viewed with free
Acrobat Reader
software. Lecture notes below are the
intellectual property of Dr. Boyer and should not be distributed or
reproduced. PDF documents of lecture
notes and supplemental materials are available to enrolled students only. Materials below are distributed exclusively
for educational use in accordance with the "fair use" principle
expressed in
Week 1. Hydrological processes in forested
watersheds
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Likens GE
& FH Bormann, Biogeochemistry of a Forested
Ecosystem, Chapters 1 and 2.
[PDF] Syllabus and course overview
[PDF] Assignments for discussion
leader & written summary
Optional:
[PDF] Hewlett JD, 1969 &
reprinted 1982. Principles of Forest
Hydrology, a classic general reference text.
[PDF]
[PDF] Stephenson NL, 1990. Climatic Control of Vegetation Distribution - the Role of the
Water-Balance. American Naturalist
135:649-670.
Week 2. Precipitation & interception
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF]
Optional:
[PDF] Herwitz
SR, 1985. Interception storage capacities of tropical rainforest canopy trees. Journal of Hydrology 77:237-252.
[PDF] Burgess,
SSO & TE Dawson, 2004. The contribution of fog to the water
relations of Sequoia sempervirens: foliar
uptake and prevention of dehydration. Plant, Cell
& Environment ,
27:1023-1034.
[PDF] Levia DF Jr. & Frost EE, 2003.
A review and evaluation of stemflow
literature in the hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles of forested and
agricultural ecosystems. Journal
of Hydrology, 274:1-29.
[PDF] Lewis J, 2003. Stemflow estimation in a redwood forest using model-based stratified random sampling. Envirometrics, 14: 559–571 (DOI: 10.1002/env.603)
[PDF] Crockford RH & DP Richardson, 2000. Partitioning of rainfall
into throughfall, stemflow
and interception: effect of forest type, ground cover and climate. Hydrological
Processes, 14: 2903-2920.
[LINK] River stage and precipitation forecasts for CA &
links to other meteorological information
Week 3.
Infiltration & evapotranspiration
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Wilson et al., 2001.
A comparison of methods for determining forest evapotranspiration
and its components: sap-flow, soil water budget, eddy covariance and catchment
water balance. Agricultural and
Optional:
[PDF] Beven
K & P Germann, 1982. Macropores and
water flow in soils. Water Resources
Research, 18(3):1311-1325
[PDF] Dunne T. and
RD Black, 1970. An experimental investigation of runoff production in permeable
soils. Water Resources
Research, 6(2):478-490.
[PDF] Beven
K, 2004. Robert E Horton’s perceptual model of infiltration processes. Hydrological
Processes, 18: 3447-3460.
[PDF] Fisher JB,
TA DeBiase, Y Qi, M Xu and AH Goldstein, 2005. Evapotranspiration models compared on a
[PDF] Stephenson NL, 1998. Actual evapotranspiration and deficit: biologically meaningful
correlates of vegetation distribution across spatial scales. Journal of Biogeography 25:855-870.
[PDF] Roberts J., 2000. The influence of physical and physiological
characteristics of vegetation on their hydrological response Hydrological
Processes, 14: 2885-2901.
[PDF] Calder
IR, 1998. Water use by
forests: limits and controls. Tree Physiology, 18:625–631
Week 4.
Variable source areas & concentration-discharge relationships
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Hewlett JD
and AR Hibbert. 1967. Factors affecting the
response of small watersheds to precipitation in humid areas. In Forest Hydrology,
edited by WE Sopper and HW Lull,
Optional:
[PDF] Beven
K, 1978. The
hydrological response of headwater and sideslope areas. Hydrological Sciences
Bulletin, 23(4):419-437.
[PDF] Buttle,
JM. 1994. Isotope hydrograph
separations and rapid delivery of pre-event water from drainage basins. Progress in Physical Geogaphy, 18(1): 16-41.
[PDF] Dunne T, TR
[PDF] McDonnell JJ, 2003. Where does water go when it
rains? Moving beyond the variable source area concept of
rainfall-runoff response. Hydrological
Processes 17:1869-1875.
[PDF]
[PDF] Mulholland P, 1993. Hydrometric and stream chemistry evidence of three storm flowpaths in Walker Branch watershed. Journal of Hydrology 151:291-316.
[PDF] Pinder GF & JF Jones.
1969. Determination of the groundwater component of peak discharge from the
chemistry of total runoff. Water Resources Research.
5(2): 438-445.
[PDF] Sklash,
MG & RN Farvolden. 1979. The role of groundwater
in storm runoff. Journal of Hydrology, 43: 45-65.
[Link] Resources on isotopes
[PDF]
Rice KC & GM Hornberger,
1998. Comparison of hydrochemical tracers to estimate source
contributions to peak flow in a small, forested, headwater catchment. Water
Resources Research, 34(7): 1755-1766.
Week 5.
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Hayhoe, K., DC Cayan, CB Field, PC Frumhoff, EP Mauer, NL Miller, SC
Moser, SH Schneider, and others, 2004. Emissions pathways, climate change, and impacts on
Optional:
[PDF] Dettinger M,
2005. Changes in
streamflow timing in the western
[PDF] Maurer, E.P., S. Gibbard, and P.B. Duffy, 2006. Amplification of streamflow impacts of El
Niño by increased atmospheric greenhouse gases, Geophysical Research Letters,
Vol. 33, No. 2, L02707 10.1029/2005GL025100.
Week 6. Introduction
to forest management & environmental impacts
Guest presentations: Greg Biging, Associate Dean
for Forestry; and ESPM forestry faculty TBA.
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Binkley D and T Brown, 1993.
Forest practices as nonpoint sources of
pollution in
Optional:
[PDF] Young KA, 2000. Riparian zone management in the
[LINK] “State of
Week 7.
Impacts of atmospheric deposition on forests & water
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Driscoll
CT, D Whitall, JD Aber, EW
Boyer, M Castro, C Cronan, C Goodale,
P Groffman, C Hopkinson, K
Lambert, G Lawrence and SV Ollinger, 2003. Nitrogen Pollution in the
Optional:
[PDF] Aber JD, WH McDowell, KJ Nadelhoffer, AH Magill, G Berntson, M Kamekea, SG McNulty,
W Currie, L Rustad & I Fernandez, 1998.
Nitrogen saturation in temperate forest ecosystems: hypotheses revisited. BioScience 48:
921-934
[PDF] Aber, JD, CL Goodale, SV Ollinger,
M-L Smith, AH
[PDF] Fenn
ME, Baron JS, Allen EB, Rueth HM, Nydick
KR, Geiser L, Bowman WD, Sickman
JO, Meixner T, Johnson DW, Neitlich
P 2003 Ecological effects of nitrogen deposition in the western United States. BioScience 53:391-403.
[PDF] Takemoto BK, Bytnerowicz A, Fenn ME. 2001. Current and future effects of ozone and
atmospheric nitrogen deposition on
[PDF] Ohte
N, SD Sebestyen, JB Shanley,
DH Doctor, C Kendall, SD Wankel, and EW Boyer
(2004). Tracing
sources of nitrate in snowmelt runoff using a high-resolution isotopic
technique. Geophysical Research Letters, 31(L21506), doi:10.1029/2004GL020908.
Week 8.
Impacts of forest management on streams & riparian zones
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Naiman
RJ, RE Bilby, & PA Bisson.
2000. Riparian ecology and management in
the pacific coastal rain forest. Bioscience 50(11): 996-1011
Optional:
[PDF] Harvey
& Bencala 1993. The effect
of streambed topography on surface-subsurface water exchange in mountain
catchments. Water Resources Research 29(1):89-98.
[PDF] Gomi T, RC Sidle, & JS
Richardson, 2002. Understanding
processes and downstream linkages of headwater systems. Bioscience
52(10): 905-916.
[PDF] Gregory SV,
Swanson FJ,
[PDF] Lytle DA,
and Poff NL. 2004. Adaptation to natural flow
regimes. Trends in Ecology &
Evolution 19:94-100.
Week 9.
Impacts of forest management on peak flows & floods
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] FAO & CIFOR 2005.
Forests and floods: Drowning in fiction or thriving on facts? Center for International Forestry Research, and Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
Optional:
[PDF] Ziemer
RR, 1981. Storm flow
response to road building and partial cutting in small streams of northern
[PDF] Wright KA,
KH Sendek, RM Rice, & RB Thomas, 1990. Logging effects on streamflow: storm runoff
at
[PDF] Genereux
DP, 2003. Comparison of methods for estimation of 50-year
peak discharge from a small rural watershed in
Spotlight on scientific debate on peakflow responses to forest practices in the western
Cascades of
[PDF]
Rothacher J, Dyrness CT, & Fredriksen RL, 1967. Hydrologic and related
characteristics of three small watersheds in the Oregon Cascades. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest & Range
Experiment Station, Portland, Oregon. Note: you’ll need to get this article from
the library.
[PDF] Rothacher
J, 1973. Does harvest in west slope Douglas-fir increase peak flow in small
forest streams? USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest & Range
Experiment Station, Research Paper PNW-163, 13.
[PDF] RL
Beschta, MR Pyles, AE Skaugset, CG Surfleet, 2000. Peakflow responses to forest practices in the western cascades of
[PDF] Jones JA and GE Grant, 1996.
Peak flow responses to clear-cutting and roads in
small and large basins, western Cascades,
[PDF] Thomas RB & WF Megahan, 1998. Peak flow responses to clear-cutting and
roads in small and large basins, western Cascades,
[PDF] Jones JA & GE Grant, 2001. Comment on “Peak flow
responses to clear-cutting and roads in small and large basins, western
Cascades,
Week 10.
Impacts of land management on stream temperature
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
To read for our discussion:
Bartholow, J.M., S.G. Campbell, and M. Flug. 2004. Predicting the thermal effects of dam removal
on the
Optional:
[PDF] Brown GW
& JT Krygier, 1970. Effects of clearcutting on stream temperature. Water
Resources Research, 6(4):1133-1140.
[LINK] National Research Council, 2002. Scientific Evaluation of Biological Opinions
on Endangered and Threatened Fishes in the
[LINK] National Research Council, 2004. Endangered and Threatened Fishes in the
Week 11.
Impacts of forest management on erosion & sediment
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
Guest presentation:
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Suttle, K.B., M.E. Power, J.M.
Levine, and C. McNeely. 2004. How fine sediment in riverbeds impairs
growth and survival of juvenile salmonids. Ecological Applications
14: 969- 974.
Optional:
[PDF]
[PDF] McCashion JD & RM Rice, 1983. Erosion on logging roads in northwestern
[PDF] Brown GW, 1979. The impact of timber
harvesting on soil and water resources.
[PDF] Keppeler
ET, J Lewis, TE Lisle, 2003. Effects of forest management on streamflow, sediment yield, and
erosion, Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds. In: Renard, Kenneth
G.; McElroy, Stephen A.; Gburek, William J.;
Canfield, H. Evan; Scott, Russell L., eds. First Interagency Conference on
Research in the Watersheds, October 27-30, 2003.
[PDF] Lewis
J, Mori SR, Keppeler ET, Ziemer
RR. 2001. Impacts of logging on storm peak flows, flow volumes and suspended
sediment loads in Caspar Creek, California. In Land
Use and Watersheds: Human Influence on Hydrology and Geomorphology in Urban and
Forest Areas: Water Science and Application, Vol. 2, Wigmosta
MS, Burges SJ (eds).
American Geophysical Union:
[PDF] Gucinski H, MJ Hermann, RR Ziemer, and MH Brookes, 2001.
[PDF] Luce CE, 2002. Hydrological processes and pathways affected by
forest roads: what do we still need to learn?
Hydrological Processes 16:
2901-2904.
Week 12.
Impacts of fire on forests & water
[PDF] Beth’s lecture notes
Guest presentation: Scott Stephens, Associate Professor of fire science
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Stephens
SL, T Meixner, M Poth, B McGurk, D Payne. 2004. Prescribed fire, soils, and stream
water chemistry in a watershed in the
Optional:
[PDF] Murphy JD, DW Johnson, WW Miller, RF Walker, EF Carrol,
and RR Blank. 2006. Wildfire effects on soil nutrients and leaching in a
[PDF] Beche LA, SL Stephens, and VH Resh. 2005. Prescribed fire effects on a riparian and
stream community in the Sierra Nevada:
[PDF] Chorover J, PM Vitousek, D
Everson, A Esperanza and D Turner, 1994. Solution
chemistry profiles of mixed-conifer forests before and after fire. Biogeochemistry 26:115-144
Week 13. Cumulative watershed effects
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Reid
L. 1998. Cumulative
watershed effects and watershed analysis. Chapter 19 in: Naiman,
Robert J., and Robert E. Bilby, eds. River Ecology
and Management: Lessons from the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion.
Optional:
[PDF] Dunne
T, J Agee, S Beissinger, WE Dietrich, D Gray, ME
Power, VH Resh, and K Rodrigues.
2001. A scientific basis for the prediction of cumulative watershed
effects.
[PDF]
Week 14.
To read for our discussion:
[PDF] Aber
J, N Christensen, I Fernandez, J Franklin, L Hidinger,
M Hunter, J MacMahon, D Mladenoff,
J Pastor, D Perry, R Slangen, H van Miegroet, 2000. Applying ecological
principles to management of the
Optional:
[PDF]
[PDF] Daily GC, S
Alexander, PR Ehrlich, L Goulder, J
Week 15.
Future forests
To read for our discussion
Course wrap-up
Guest presentation:
Dr. John
Helms, professor emeritus
ESPM, and past president of the Society of American Foresters.
General questions to think about when
reading papers
(in addition to the thoughtful discussion questions our
leaders will provide)
·
Is the paper a description of an experiment or concept,
or a synthesis of previous work on the topic?
·
What are the hypotheses, objectives or goals put
forth?
·
What methods are used?
Are they appropriate for the research questions being addressed?
·
What are the results of the study? How do they relate to the research questions?
·
Are the interpretations of data &
results justified?
·
What are the major conclusions made? Are they significant? Are they interesting? What remains unanswered?
· What relevance does this paper have to issues or topics
covered in class?
·
Are such questions and/or methods
relevant to your own research? How would
you do things differently?