Resilience and Resistance of Riparian Vegetation to Drought: Insights from the Lower Mississippi River Basin

Keywords: Riparian forests, Drought impact, Buffer zones, Drought categories
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of droughts, posing a greater threat to ecosystems. While many studies have highlighted the negative impacts of drought on riparian forests, limited research has focused on the resilience and resistance of riparian trees, particularly in terms of spatial and temporal variations. This study examines the lower Mississippi River Basin to assess how forest cover is affected by different riparian buffer zones and how these impacts relate to varying drought categories. Additionally, the study quantitatively analyzes the resistance and resilience of riparian vegetation to drought over time, based on buffer zone delineations. This research provides the first comprehensive examination of how riparian forest cover responds to extreme drought events across both spatial and temporal scales. It also identifies key thresholds of vulnerability in riparian ecosystems during severe drought years, offering valuable insights for protecting watershed habitats.