Keeping Tabs on Native Woodlands in Times of Flood and Drought

I refuse to believe in the “climate change isn’t real” propaganda. In fact, anyone who’s been sweating intensely in summers and freezing up in winters will agree with me. What do the anti-climate change people even know about the constant mood swings of the earth? 

At least, we don’t have to face the worst when it comes to it. We’ve got all the amenities to continue living comfortably.

As the effects of climate change come to a rise, native woodlands in Australia stand against the worst. The rise of floods and droughts. Every single threat makes a huge impact on the ecological system. The residing natives face a large challenge ahead of them. 

On the bright side, recent research has shown that possible modern technologies can bring relief to the brutal situation.

Woodlands aren’t just a collection of trees– if that’s what you remember from school. It’s a complex ecosystem that has a dependent interplay of overstorey (trees) and understoreys (shrubs, bushes, etc.). It helps in regulating water storages, especially in situations where there is environmental stress.

Even better news? A study by Flinders University introduced use of airborne thermal imagery and modelling to measure evapotranspiration (the process by which water is transferred from soil and plants to the atmosphere) within the understorey of native woodlands. 

This allows scientists to look beyond the usual and understand how much water is being regulated in the understorey, helping in understanding of water dynamics.

The findings are quite the need. Understorey ET can hold up to 50% of total ecosystem water use during hot weather. Meaning? The health and function of the entire woodland depend not just on the trees, but also on the different plants growing beneath them. 

As a matter of fact, the study revealed that both flooding and topography greatly influence how water moves through these systems. 

For example, in hilly woodlands, north-facing slopes showcasing higher understorey ET during wet winters, which could lead to faster soil moisture depletion during dry summers. In floodplain environments, water availability changed how understorey plants responded to drought conditions. Isn’t that great news?!

These insights are especially important as rainfall patterns shift and extreme events become more common. By accurately tracking understorey water use, land managers and policymakers can make more informed decisions about conservation, restoration, and water allocation.

Why is this important? The research highlights the broader ecological role of woodlands in dealing with the impacts of floods and droughts. Healthy woodlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall during storms and gradually releasing it during dry spells. Their root systems improve soil structure and infiltration, reducing runoff and the risk of flash flooding. On the other hand, degraded or poorly managed woodlands are less able to buffer these extremes, leading to greater ecosystem vulnerability.

This does not reduce the real stress. Climate change is real, and it's happening faster than anyone’s expectations. Hold onto your horses people, and start finding ways to protect the earth. This is our home. This is our destiny.