Biogeomorphic Responses to Wildfire in Fluvial Ecosystems
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Wildfire biogeomorphology is an integrative science fundamental in understanding the dynamic processes of adjustment that occur after wildfires. The new book Biogeomorphic Responses to Wildfire in Fluvial Ecosystems draws together interdisciplinary studies and reviews that highlight key insights important to support heterogeneity, biodiversity, and resilience in fluvial ecosystems (Florsheim et al., 2024). Chapters in the book address post-wildfire sediment pulses that change the physical elements of fluvial habitat. They may be transitory or long-lasting, depending on variations in post-wildfire climate conditions. Biological processes and feedback that alter post-wildfire geomorphic responses important to enhance ecosystem resilience are also discussed. The chapters emphasize integrated approaches to advance strategies for ecosystem management toward conservation, restoration, and sustainable practices, in particular to accommodate multiple possible postfire disturbance and recovery trajectories. Pertaining to wildfire science in southern California, Capelli, M.H., highlights in a Research Brief one chapter in the book that outlines The Role of Wildfires in the Recovery Strategy for the Endangered Southern California Steelhead. Additionally, a Research Synthesis summarizes two chapters focusing on biogeomorphic responses to wildfire in steep streams in southern California: Postfire Stream Responses to Spatial Fire Patterns in Riparian and Upland Zones by McMahon, C., Cooper, S.D., and Wiseman, S.W., together with Disturbance and Recovery of Physical Elements of Habitat in Relation to Post-Wildfire Channel Sedimentation, Southern California Transverse Ranges by Florsheim, J.L., and Chin, A.
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Florsheim, J.L., O’Dowd, A.P., and Chin, A., 2024, Introduction to biogeomorphic responses to wildfire in fluvial ecosystems, in Florsheim, J.L., O’Dowd, A.P., and Chin, A., eds., Biogeomorphic Responses to Wildfire in Fluvial Ecosystems: Geological Society of America Special Paper 562, p. v–x, https://doi.org/10.1130/2024.2562(001).
