Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions
Human activities have significantly altered flow regimes, but the effects of shifting flow regimes on riparian species interactions and the ecosystem network remain unclear. This study applied a modified community-wide population model, integrated with network theory, to simulate the responses of th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Ecological Indicators |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X24014961 |
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| author | Mengmeng Zhang Chengyi Zhao Jianting Zhu Wangya Han Wenqi Jiang |
| author_facet | Mengmeng Zhang Chengyi Zhao Jianting Zhu Wangya Han Wenqi Jiang |
| author_sort | Mengmeng Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Human activities have significantly altered flow regimes, but the effects of shifting flow regimes on riparian species interactions and the ecosystem network remain unclear. This study applied a modified community-wide population model, integrated with network theory, to simulate the responses of the riparian ecosystem to potential future flow regimes in a desert oasis in northwestern China. Results indicate that the riparian ecosystem network in the desert oasis is inherently unstable under the Heihe River’s current hydrological conditions, characterized by considerable intra-annual and inter-annual runoff variability, as even minor changes in flow regimes could alter the network. Specifically, increased frequency of drought year simplifies the network, while heightened flood year frequencies (not exceeding 85%) create a more intricate network. Additionally, longer flood duration (more extended overlap with seed dispersal periods) significantly improves network connectivity and redundancy. Notably, the keystone status of species within the flow regime influences the network structure. With reduced flooding and more homogeneous flow, the keystone roles shift from trees and shrubs to herbs. This underscores the essential role of flooding events in sustaining riparian ecological networks. Thus, flood frequency, timing, and duration, alongside water quantity, should be considered in ecological restoration efforts for desert oasis environments. The study’s methodology and findings provide a scientific foundation for developing comprehensive management guidelines to regulate riparian areas under global change. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d75dbfdaa9d74c05b427e6ebd31ad18b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1470-160X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Ecological Indicators |
| spelling | doaj-art-d75dbfdaa9d74c05b427e6ebd31ad18b2025-01-31T05:10:37ZengElsevierEcological Indicators1470-160X2025-01-01170113039Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regionsMengmeng Zhang0Chengyi Zhao1Jianting Zhu2Wangya Han3Wenqi Jiang4School of Geography Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, ChinaSchool of Geography Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China; Corresponding author.Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USASchool of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, ChinaChangwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, ChinaHuman activities have significantly altered flow regimes, but the effects of shifting flow regimes on riparian species interactions and the ecosystem network remain unclear. This study applied a modified community-wide population model, integrated with network theory, to simulate the responses of the riparian ecosystem to potential future flow regimes in a desert oasis in northwestern China. Results indicate that the riparian ecosystem network in the desert oasis is inherently unstable under the Heihe River’s current hydrological conditions, characterized by considerable intra-annual and inter-annual runoff variability, as even minor changes in flow regimes could alter the network. Specifically, increased frequency of drought year simplifies the network, while heightened flood year frequencies (not exceeding 85%) create a more intricate network. Additionally, longer flood duration (more extended overlap with seed dispersal periods) significantly improves network connectivity and redundancy. Notably, the keystone status of species within the flow regime influences the network structure. With reduced flooding and more homogeneous flow, the keystone roles shift from trees and shrubs to herbs. This underscores the essential role of flooding events in sustaining riparian ecological networks. Thus, flood frequency, timing, and duration, alongside water quantity, should be considered in ecological restoration efforts for desert oasis environments. The study’s methodology and findings provide a scientific foundation for developing comprehensive management guidelines to regulate riparian areas under global change.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X24014961Altered flow regimesFlooding durationEcological networkRiparian vegetationPlan interaction networks |
| spellingShingle | Mengmeng Zhang Chengyi Zhao Jianting Zhu Wangya Han Wenqi Jiang Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions Ecological Indicators Altered flow regimes Flooding duration Ecological network Riparian vegetation Plan interaction networks |
| title | Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| title_full | Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| title_fullStr | Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| title_short | Simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| title_sort | simulating responses of riparian ecosystem network complexity to flow regime shifts in arid regions |
| topic | Altered flow regimes Flooding duration Ecological network Riparian vegetation Plan interaction networks |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X24014961 |
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