Earth Science Gallery 2006 EARTH SCIENCE VIDEOTAPES |
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Tape Title | Record ID | Date Produced | TRT: | Synopsis |
| NEW TECHNOLOGY FIGHTS INVASIVE SPECIES | G06-002 | 2/15/06 | 10:19 | Experts now estimate that Tamarisk (saltcedar) has infested more than 3.3 million acres in the western United States. Tamarisk is one of our most harmful invasive species because the plant's long roots tap into underground aquifers. Its groundwater-absorbing qualities may be adding to the severity of the drought in the western U.S.
NASA and the USGS are working together to develop a National Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) for the management and control of invasive species. The ISFS combines NASA Earth observations and models with field data to enhance USGS capabilities to map, monitor and predict the spread of significant invasive plant species. |
TAPE CONTENTS: |
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| ITEM (1): National Habitat Suitability for a Tamarisk Invasion - This national map shows habitat vulnerable to a Tamarisk invasion in the continental United States. Red indicates areas that are "highly suitable" and yellow indicates "moderately suitable" areas. Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada contain the most at-risk land area, while Utah and Arizona have the next greatest risk. California, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Ohio, Wyoming, and Florida also suggest significant vulnerability. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (2): Tamarisk Habitat Suitability by State - Texas is the most vulnerable state to a Tamarisk invasion with one-third of its area classified as highly suitable. Next in line falls New Mexico with 13.55% of the state classified as highly suitable. Also vulnerable are Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado. Red indicates areas that are "highly suitable" and yellow indicates "moderately suitable" areas. Gray indicates areas that are not suitable. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (3): Tamarisk's Use of Water - Tamarisk's extensive root system can reach up to 50 feet laterally and 100 feet in depth to access the water supply. As this invasive plant draws up large amounts of water, it can lower the water table. Native plants with shallower root systems have to compete for an already-dwindling water supply. One large Tamarisk plant can absorb up to 200 gallons of water per day - that's twice the amount the average person uses in the same timeframe. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (4): Tamarisk and Salt - Tamarisk's extensive root system extracts sodium chloride, or salt, from deep within the soil. Salt collects in plant tissues allowing it to exude the excess through its leaves. Over a period of years, the plant effectively changes the natural chemistry of the soil. Native trees and plants can no longer thrive in the salt-saturated soil. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (5): Tamarisk and Fire Sprouts - As Tamarisk drops its leaves, it creates a debris layer known as "duff" which chokes the ground below. This adds to the fuel load, compounding an already high fire danger in the drought-stricken West. When fires ravage an area, Tamarisk ignites quickly, leading to a more severe burn. To make matters worse, this invasive plant tends to come back more quickly than native plants in these burned areas. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (6): Watching the Seasons Change with Tamarisk - As part of the ISFS project, NASA and USGS satellites measure sunlight reflected by plants and the environments in which they are growing. These measurements provide useful information on growth patterns and the plant's basic biology. This set of photos was taken at a Tamarisk-infested area in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, and shows the change in the plant's color over the course of a year. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (7): How the Data Sets Come Together - Scientists created the Tamarisk Habitat Suitability Map by combining research from several sources, including field data and remotely sensed data collected from satellites. Two of NASA's satellite products are shown in this visualization, which shows the annual vegetation cycle and classifications of land cover. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (8): Tamarisk B-Roll - Experts now estimate that Tamarisk has infested more than 3.3 million acres in the western United States. With the invasion spreading like wildfire, this invasive poses a serious threat to the West's water supply. One large Tamarisk plant can absorb up to 200 gallons of water per day - that's twice the amount the average person uses in the same timeframe. Courtesy: NPS | ||||
| ITEM (9): The Data - The ISFS uses data from NASA's Terra, Aqua, and Earth Observing satellites, as well as the USGS-operated Landsat satellites. Data from these satellites are analyzed and used to "lock in" on unique aspects of Tamarisk's reflected light to determine its current locations and identify habitats that are vulnerable to future invasion. Courtesy: NASA | ||||
| ITEM (10): Interview Clips of Jeff Morisette, NASA Scientist Courtesy: NASA | ||||