Variations in Hillslope Runoff as Detected Using Geological Strata Coupled with Vegetation Patterns- Implications on Spatially Distributed Desert Runoff Agriculture

Abstract

Sparsely vegetated bedrock slopes in deserts coincide with slope parameters, thus they have important implications on biological, chemical, hydrological and geomorphological processes. Spatial variations in these vegetation patterns, density and communities indicates on relatively humid habitats, which correspond with sinks for high runoff. Relations between the bedrock runoff generation and vegetation patterns may imply on the spatial locations of Byzantine -Early Muslim (400-1000 C.E.; 1600-1000 y BP) agriculture installations. These installations are widespread in the Negev Desert, Israel, utilized sophisticated runoff harvesting techniques by the ancient farmers. Applying a multi-disciplinary approach, we tested vegetation patterns as a precursor for runoff generation along bedrock slopes in the Negev Desert Highlands, and correlated them to the spatial distribution of the ByzantineEarly Muslim runoff agriculture installations. Integrating vegetation patterns, geological substrate data and bedrock-runoff generation data on a GIS model on a large scale (160 km 2 ) of the Negev Highlands yields a synthetic potential runoff map. This map is a unique new product conducted for the first time during this study. Basing on it, runoff yield can be predicted for different scales, ranging from that of a single lithology slope to that of a basin of varying lithologies. Utilizing this methodology, we show that high correlation (80 %) exists between vegetation patterns and spatially located Byzantine -Early Muslim runoff-farming installations. This correlation turns the vegetation coverage as a reliable marker for predicting runoff yield in arid bedrock slopes and imply for stable arid climate in the past 1600 years in the Negev Desert.Keywords: Desert, Ancient runoff agriculture, Rain-bedrock-runoff relations, Vegetation patterns, Southern Levant, Climate variability, GIS Unauthenticated Download Date | 5/12/18 7:09 AM Wieler N., Avni Y., Rosensaft M., Olsvig-Whittaker L.: Variations in hillslope runoff as detected using geological strata coupled with vegetation patterns-implications on spatially distributed desert runoff agricultureaaaaaaaaaaaaa 190 HIGHLIGHTS/SIGNIFICANCE:The type and distribution of perennial plants along bedrock outcrops were used in this study as an essential tool for forecasting runoff generation yield in an arid environment over diverse strata.Coupling geological strata and vegetation patterns constitute a reliable environmental marker for testing temporal and spatial variations of desert runoff agriculture.

Using floristic characteristics of contemporary vegetation for identifying archaeological sites: Tel ‘Eton archaeological site as a test case

“…Given the importance of site detection for archeology, and the limitations of common survey methods, specifically the highly common pedestrian survey, archaeologists have recently focused on developing advanced methods, using mostly geophysical surveys or remote sensing (Kvamme 2003;Parcak 2009;Menze and U, 2012;Campana 2016;Kirk et al 2016). A few studies used anecdotal observations of plant patterns (Braun and Gophna 2004;Ackermann 2007;Gorzalczany 2007;Oshri 2007) and others examined a single species (Ackermann et al 2004) or limited features detection (Wieler et al 2017). In order to avoid the limitations (including costs) of existing methods, we propose to use above ground vegetation as an indicator of buried archaeological remains.…”

“…Ackermann et al (2004) referred to a single species, Sarcopoterium spinosum, as an indicator for a specific feature in the landscape. Wieler et al (2017) used geo-botanical field survey and inspected the relationship between the vegetation coverage and surface properties in dry environment. They demonstrated how the vegetation patterns are affected by runoff units, and this pattern enables detection of agricultural installations.…”

Failure and Collapse of Ancient Agricultural Stone Terraces: On-Site Effects on Soil and Vegetation

“…Ore and Bruins [3] found that compared to non-modified stream channels, which have experienced erosion and desertification, the terraced channels have faced soil aggradation and buildup. Wieler et al [9], found strong relations between landforms that are defined with a high runoff coefficient and ancient runoff harvesting systems located next to them.…”