Capturing LiDAR‐Derived Hydrologic Spatial Parameters to Evaluate Playa Wetlands |
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Authors: | Zhenghong Tang Ruopu Li Xu Li Weiguo Jiang Aaron Hirsh |
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Affiliation: | 1. Community and Regional Planning Program, College of Architecture, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln, , Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588 China;2. School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln, , Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588 China;3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln, , Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588 China;4. State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, , Beijing, 100875 China |
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Abstract: | The digital elevation model data from traditional stereo photogrammetric methods are inadequate in providing accurate vertical parameters to feed hydrologic models for low‐lying, extremely flat areas. High‐resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data provide the robust capability of capturing small variations in low‐relief playa wetlands. The Rainwater Basin in south‐central Nebraska includes a complex of seasonally shallow playa wetlands that attract millions of migratory waterfowl every spring and fall. This research focuses on the development of a procedure with applicable protocols to produce LiDAR‐derived three‐dimensional wetland maps and to extract the critical surface parameters (i.e., watershed boundaries, flow direction, flow accumulation, and drainage lines) for playa wetlands. The topo‐hydrologic conditions of playa wetlands were evaluated at the watershed level. The results show that in the Rainwater Basin, 70.7% of the historic hydric soil footprints identified in the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database were not functioning as topographically depressional wetlands. This finding was confirmed by a recent five‐year Annual Habit Survey showing that 69.8% of the historic hydric soil footprints did not function during the spring migratory bird seasons between 2004 and 2009. The majority of playa wetlands' topographic conditions have been substantially changed and the SSURGO data cannot fully reflect current topographic reality in the Rainwater Basin. |
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Keywords: | light detection and ranging Soil Survey Geographic database historic hydric soil footprint wetland playa Rainwater Basin |
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