The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review
Although playing an important role in shaping the environment, the mechanisms responsible for runoff initiation and yield in arid and semiarid regions are not yet fully explored. With infiltration-excess overland flow, known also as Hortonian overland flow (HOF) taking place in these areas, the uppe...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Sciendo
2021-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2021-0028 |
| _version_ | 1819059638453141504 |
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| author | Kidron Giora J. |
| author_facet | Kidron Giora J. |
| author_sort | Kidron Giora J. |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Although playing an important role in shaping the environment, the mechanisms responsible for runoff initiation and yield in arid and semiarid regions are not yet fully explored. With infiltration-excess overland flow, known also as Hortonian overland flow (HOF) taking place in these areas, the uppermost surface ‘skin’ plays a cardinal role in runoff initiation and yield. Over large areas, this skin is composed of biocrusts, a variety of autotrophs (principally cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, mosses) accompanied by heterotrophs (such as fungi, bacteria, archaea), which may largely dictate the infiltration capability of the surface. With most biocrust organisms being capable of excreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS or exopolymers), and growing evidence pointing to the capability of certain EPS to partially seal the surface, EPS may play a cardinal role in hindering infiltration and triggering HOF. Yet, despite this logic thread, great controversy still exists regarding the main mechanisms responsible for runoff generation (runoff initiation and yield). Elucidation of the possible role played by EPS in runoff generation is the focus of the current review. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T14:14:17Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-2737f08db04e452b84e5630d94532702 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1338-4333 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T14:14:17Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | Sciendo |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics |
| spelling | doaj.art-2737f08db04e452b84e5630d945327022022-12-21T19:00:58ZengSciendoJournal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics1338-43332021-12-0169436036810.2478/johh-2021-0028The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini reviewKidron Giora J.0Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram Campus, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. Tel: +972-54-4967-271. Fax: 972-2-566-2581.Although playing an important role in shaping the environment, the mechanisms responsible for runoff initiation and yield in arid and semiarid regions are not yet fully explored. With infiltration-excess overland flow, known also as Hortonian overland flow (HOF) taking place in these areas, the uppermost surface ‘skin’ plays a cardinal role in runoff initiation and yield. Over large areas, this skin is composed of biocrusts, a variety of autotrophs (principally cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, mosses) accompanied by heterotrophs (such as fungi, bacteria, archaea), which may largely dictate the infiltration capability of the surface. With most biocrust organisms being capable of excreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS or exopolymers), and growing evidence pointing to the capability of certain EPS to partially seal the surface, EPS may play a cardinal role in hindering infiltration and triggering HOF. Yet, despite this logic thread, great controversy still exists regarding the main mechanisms responsible for runoff generation (runoff initiation and yield). Elucidation of the possible role played by EPS in runoff generation is the focus of the current review.https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2021-0028biological soil crustsextracellular polymeric substancespore clogginghydrophobicityinfiltration-excess overland flowwater repellency |
| spellingShingle | Kidron Giora J. The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics biological soil crusts extracellular polymeric substances pore clogging hydrophobicity infiltration-excess overland flow water repellency |
| title | The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review |
| title_full | The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review |
| title_fullStr | The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review |
| title_short | The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review |
| title_sort | role of biocrust induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones a mini review |
| topic | biological soil crusts extracellular polymeric substances pore clogging hydrophobicity infiltration-excess overland flow water repellency |
| url | https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2021-0028 |
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