Drainage Lines Research Articles

Investigating the invasiveness of Eucalyptus globulus in Portugal: site-scale drivers, reproductive capacity and dispersal potential

Plantations of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. have expanded rapidly over the last four decades across temperate parts of the globe. There has been growing concern about the potential invasiveness of this species. Portugal grows more E. globulus than any other country (by area). This study investigates poorly understood factors that may influence wilding establishment and spread from Portuguese plantations. We assessed: site-scale factors influencing the presence and abundance of E. globulus wildlings along plantation edges, as well as the size and reproductive state of these wildlings; and the dispersal distances and developmental state of wildlings away from the plantations edge. We found 1630 E. globulus wildlings in 129 survey plots (10 × 10 m) established along the edge of 67 plantations. Half of the surveyed wildlings were taller than 1.3 m. The presence and abundance of E. globulus wildlings was mainly influenced by factors such as soil cover, the age of mother-trees and their reproductive output. Around 8% of the surveyed wildlings were reproductive, including wildlings less than 1.3 m tall. The proportion of reproductive wildlings was mainly influenced by wildling size, the location relative to the plantation edge and the annual number of frost days. In 49 survey transects outside plantations we found 641 E. globulus wildlings up to a distance of 76 m. Establishment distance was associated with natural drainage lines and the dominant wind direction. We discuss the relevance of the results in terms of the potential invasiveness of E. globulus.

Unusual Namibian fairy circle patterns in heterogeneous and atypical environments

Under homogeneous habitat conditions, fairy circles are extremely ordered grassland gaps that are densely packed and that function as an extra source of water for the surrounding matrix vegetation. While the origin of fairy circles is still disputed, most of the research has so far focused on such typical habitat conditions where the fairy circles are almost round and have a grid-like hexagonal pattern. However, Namibian fairy circles also occur under atypical habitat conditions where topographical heterogeneity or extreme aridity are forcing the circles to change their shapes and patterns. In this pilot study, we are describing some striking and new examples how shapes and patterns of fairy circles may change under such atypical environmental conditions. We emphasize the need to study fairy circles in disturbed catchment areas, mega circles in drainage lines, as well as soil-water budgets of irregularly spaced fairy circles in very arid locations. Furthermore, there is need to understand the formation of the very large mega circles and desertification fronts in flat habitat. Finally, we also discuss the potential role of abiotic drivers such as soil-crust formation in the vegetation matrix or aeolian erosion and subsequent de-rooting of grasses in forming unusual fairy circle shapes, sizes and patterns.

A Comparative GIS tree‑pollution analysis between arsenic, chromium, mercury, and uranium contents in soils of urban and industrial regions in Qatar

This study compared the applicability of several geographic information systems (GIS) regression tree-based models (n = 136) to precisely define the most influencing environmental predictor parameters on arid soils. The study focused on the accumulation of arsenic, chromium, mercury, and uranium in the arid soils of Qatar using GIS tools. The rates of the built reference trees (based on environmental parameters) vary among chosen toxic metals as follows: Hg (80%), U (77%), As (72%), and Cr (70%); and this affects considerably the developed correlations (reflected as relative importance in %) between these toxic metals and the chosen environmental parameters. These parameters influence differently the investigated As/Cr/Hg/U, with higher quantitative impact (importance varying according to the metal into question) of anthropogenic parameters (distance to environmental hotspots 85–90%, land cover/use 78–82%, and proximity to roads 62–82%) than for the geopedological (soil type 30–76%, parent material 17–60%, and distance to geological structures 12–42%) and hydromorphological (elevation 7–53%, slope gradient 10–41%, distance to drainage line 15–30%, slope gradient 0–5%, and slope aspect 0–3%) parameters. The results can be used to prioritize the choice of remediation measures, and can be applied to other arid areas sharing analogous environmental/socio-economic conditions and pollution causes.

The occurrence of the Broad‐toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus in relation to feral Horse impacts

SummaryFeral Horse (Equus caballus) impacts in northern Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, Australia are directly occurring in habitat of the nationally threatened Broad‐toothed Rat (Mastacomys fuscus). This species is endemic primarily to the mountain regions of south‐eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania, with a disjunct population at Barrington Tops. The Broad‐toothed Rat's preferred habitat is being increasingly impacted by browsing and trampling associated with the expansion of feral horse populations. This study surveyed 180 sites supporting preferred habitat for this species to determine Broad‐toothed Rat presence and relative abundance in relation to the level of feral horse impacts within the reserve. There was a significant negative relationship between feral horse impacts and both Broad‐toothed Rat presence and abundance. No scats were identified at localities where feral horse impacts were severe, and at moderate horse impact sites, there was a proportion (34%) without scats found. Locations with low horse impacts had little impact on Broad‐toothed Rat occurrence. As feral horse populations increase, Broad‐toothed Rat populations may be further impacted. Such impacts will be due to the loss of vegetation cover from feral horse trampling and grazing, making animals more vulnerable to predation by predators or impacting on their ability to disperse to more suitable habitat. Habitat remnants and vegetation corridors along drainage lines require protection from feral horses to prevent localized extinctions of Broad‐toothed Rat.

An assessment of feral horse impacts on treeless drainage lines in the Australian Alps

SummaryThe feral Horse (Equus caballus) is widespread across the Australian Alps. Feral horses degrade alpine and sub‐alpine ecosystems and damage habitat of a range of threatened species. Despite this, there is little published work to document the extent and severity of these impacts. This study investigated impacts of feral horses on treeless drainage lines at 186 sites across the Australian Alps. The study included sites in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. We assessed nine variables related to soil and stream stability and vegetation cover, which in turn influence ecosystem function and habitat quality. We found significant differences among horse‐occupied and horse‐free sites for all soil and stream stability variables assessed. For all variables assessed, the average score (and hence, condition) was worse in horse‐occupied areas. The sites in poorest condition were occupied by horses. Impacts from other mammalian herbivores species appeared to be minor. Management intervention is necessary if these impacts of feral horses are to be addressed.

Feral horse impacts: The Kosciuszko Science Conference, Thursday 8 November 2018, Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra

Feral horse impacts: The Kosciuszko Science Conference, Thursday 8 November 2018, Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra

Evaluation of drainage problems in Antalya Konyaalti parks in the context of landscape engineering.

In this study, factors that cause drainage problems in 23 Nisan Park and Mevlana Park have been investigated in the scope of landscape design and landscape engineering. To propose regulations to protect the natural topography and natural drainage lines, evaluations and observations were conducted, and these data were digitized. Water accumulation analyses were performed using field observations, which were used to create a water accumulation analysis map that was compared with water collection area maps created using Arc Hydro extension in ArcGIS. The results show that surface waters accumulate in areas such as pedestrian ways and playgrounds due to deficiencies in landscape design. Surface water quantities were calculated using the rational method. To prevent structural damage and excessive water entry, deep drainage and concrete or grass-covered parabolic surface drainage systems are recommended. Additional suggestions are provided for other studies to be conducted in this regard.

Using thermochromism to simulate blood oxygenation in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) training programs employ real ECMO components, causing them to be extremely expensive while offering little realism in terms of blood oxygenation and pressure. To overcome those limitations, we are developing a standalone modular ECMO simulator that reproduces ECMO's visual, audio and haptic cues using affordable mechanisms. We present a central component of this simulator, capable of visually reproducing blood oxygenation color change using thermochromism. Our simulated ECMO circuit consists of two physically distant modules, responsible for adding and withdrawing heat from a thermochromic fluid. This manipulation of heat creates a temperature difference between the fluid in the drainage line and the fluid in the return line of the circuit and, hence, a color difference. Thermochromic ink mixed with concentrated dyes was used to create a recipe for a realistic and affordable blood-colored fluid. The implemented "ECMO circuit" reproduced blood's oxygenation and deoxygenation color difference or lack thereof. The heat control circuit costs 300 USD to build and the thermochromic fluid costs 40 USD/L. During a ten-hour in situ demonstration, nineteen ECMO specialists rated the fidelity of the oxygenated and deoxygenated "blood" and the color contrast between them as highly realistic. Using low-cost yet high-fidelity simulation mechanisms, we implemented the central subsystem of our modular ECMO simulator, which creates the look and feel of an ECMO circuit without using an actual one.

Rock-water interaction processes based on geochemical modeling and remote sensing applications in hyper-arid environment: cases from the southeastern region of Egypt

BackgroundThe interaction between rocks and groundwater can be considered as multi-faceted processes in hydrogeology where the groundwater chemistry can be resulted from leaching and/or minerals dissolution. The scientific approach of this study based on testing the contribution of remote sensing in providing information related to rock-groundwater interaction along with the outputs of the geochemical model. The current research aims to explore the impacts of lithologic nature and structural geology on the groundwater chemistry. The mentioned objective is significant for the future sustainable development of groundwater in hyper-arid regions. Therefore, both geology and geochemistry of water-bearing formations along the flow path to the studied aquifers were identified. The area was chosen as an example from hyper-arid region to carry out this scientific approach.ResultsThe obtained results indicate the existence of three main aquifers: Quaternary alluvial (salinity 1253 mg/l to 18,854 mg/l), Nubian Sandstone (salinity 311 mg/l to 14,388 mg/l), and fractured basement (salinity 320 mg/l to 19,375 mg/l). The results of speciation modeling showed that studied aquifers are supersaturated with gibbsite, goethite, hematite, magnetite, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, and alunite. Nubian aquifer specifically has homogeneity results due to the similarity of water-bearing and geology of watersheds (ferruginous sandstone and ironstone). Remote sensing data and digital elevation model analyses were used for generation of the thematic layers which is affecting the groundwater occurrences and quality such as geology, geomorphology, structural lineaments, slope, flow direction, drainage lines, and elevations.ConclusionsThe current research concluded that the groundwater chemistry can be a signature of the rock-water interaction. The potential implications of the research are represented through a priority map for groundwater exploration for both hydro-geophysical investigation and testing wells in order to evaluate the groundwater capabilities where the data from the recorded wells were used to calibrate this map.

Using Gis-based Spatial Analysis To Determine Factors Influencing the Formation of Sinkholes in Greene County, Missouri

Abstract Sinkholes are inherent features of the karst terrain of Greene County, Missouri, that present hazards and engineering challenges to construction/infrastructure development. Analysis of relationships between the spatial distribution of sinkholes and possible influencing factors can help in understanding the controls involved in the formation of sinkholes. The spatial analysis outlined herein can aid in the assessment of potential sinkhole hazards. In this research, Geographic Information System–based ordinary least squares regression (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) methods were used to determine and evaluate principal factors appearing to influence the formation and distribution of karst sinkholes. From the OLS result, seven out of 12 possible influencing factors were found to exert significant control on sinkhole formation processes in the study area. These factors are overburden thickness, depth to groundwater, slope of the ground surface, distance to the nearest surface drainage line, distance to the nearest geological structure (such as faults or folds), distance to the nearest road, and distance to the nearest spring. These factors were then used as independent variables in the GWR model. The GWR model examined the spatial non-stationarity among the various factors and demonstrated better performance over OLS. GWR model coefficient estimates for each variable were mapped. These maps provide spatial insights into the influence of the variables on sinkhole densities throughout the study area. GWR spatial analysis appears to be an effective approach to understand sinkhole-influencing factors. The results could be useful to provide an objective means of parameter weighting in models of sinkhole susceptibility or hazard mapping.

Palaeohydrology and its impact on groundwater in arid environments: Gebel Duwi and its vicinities, Eastern Desert, Egypt

From ancient times, access to water in arid and hyper-arid regions has been crucial for life. Increased knowledge about groundwater conditions is therefore extremely important for the future development of desert areas. Gebel Duwi, a limestone ridge, sited in the today hyper-arid Eastern Desert of Egypt, was chosen for testing current hypotheses concerning the interdependence of palaeohydrologic features and geologic settings for groundwater investigations. Two sub-basins are identified in affecting Gebel Duwi: Wadi Nakheil and Wadi Sodmein. Both have extraordinary high stream order, indicating the reality of a very old drainage system. Several additional palaeohydrologic features such as wadi terraces, alluvial fans, and playa deposits are also recorded in these sub-basins. These features, as well as finds from an important archaeological site (Sodmein Cave), provide information about palaeoenvironmental changes and wetter climatic periods in the younger geologic past, mainly in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, which have affected the occurrence of present day groundwater. This study combines new results of geological and geomorphological field studies, examinations of digital elevation models, as well as of rock and water analyses in an integrated approach. Resulting maps comprise landforms, lithology, elevation, drainage lines slope, structural lineaments and flow directions. The hydrogeologic condition indicates suitable locations for groundwater recharge and accumulation. The research presented is interdisciplinary in approach and is recommended for future studies with regard to groundwater exploration, sustainable groundwater use, and the protection of archaeological sites in arid lands.

Modeljuvannja ruhu robochogo obladnannja vykorchovuvacha

Modern exterminators are energy carriers, which, for the most part, have a hydraulic drive of the working equipment. Despite the advantages, the essential disadvantage of hydraulic drive systems is significant inertia. Any change in the supply of fluid to the hydraulic cylinder causes oscillation of the working equipment, especially this is noticeable when switching on and off the supply of fluid to the cylinder. Such fluctuations negatively affect the durability of hinges of kinematic pairs, links and mechanisms. The next problem of hydraulic systems is the occurrence of strikes when reaching the extreme points of the movement of the links. Impacts arise both between the links of the mechanism, and in the hydro system itself. The dynamics of the movement of mechanisms during the transition processes depends on the force and speed of the hydraulic cylinder rod, as well as the inertial characteristics of the entire mechanism. Therefore, the dynamic model must take into account the main movement of the mechanism, the driving force of the stock, the geometric dimensions of the parts of the equipment and their location, as well as their masses and moments of inertia. Implementation of optimal control of hydraulic cylinders of the working body may be carried out with the help of hydromechanical or automotive control systems. Hardware realization of optimal control of hydraulic cylinders of working bodies is possible with the help of hydromechanical or automatic control. Therefore, the task of the work is to find such a mode of movement of the rods of the hydrocylinders of the fork-lift truck, which will ensure smooth inhibition at the end of the movement. It is also proposed to use a spool valve with throttle gaps on the ends of the spools in the hydraulic cylinder control system. Due to the fact that the throttle grooves are made on the spool, at the moment when it under the action of the control signal starts to move and opens the input channels, the working fluid first enters the drainage line through these throttling grooves, and at full opening it freely flows into the outlet. This ensures a gradual,smooth increase in the supply of working fluid in drive hydraulic cylinders in accordance with optimal modes of movement.

Transition in Late Quaternary Paleoclimate in Schirmacher Region, East Antarctica as Revealed from Lake Sediments

ABSTRACT The lacustrine sediments are one of the best sources to provide information on climate change, specially in peri-glacial climatic region. Schirmacher Oasis, located on the Princess Astrid Coast in Queen Maud Land, is one of the few areas in East Antarctica that provides valuable information on paleoclimate of the region with various depositional features formed due to deglaciation process. This Oasis is dotted with more than 100 lakes of proglacial, land-locked and epi-shelf type. The multi-proxy sedimentological data, generated from the sediment cores from land-locked lakes and grab sample from a proglacial lake, lying in the same drainage line in the central part of Schirmacher region has provided better insight into the paleoclimatic evolution of the region. The immature and chemically unaltered lake sediments have shown restricted drainage pattern. Different phases of warmer and cooler intervals are highlighted by the patterns of fluctuations in different sedimentological and statistical parameters. The dominance of glacial signatures is very clear on the lake sediments as revealed by the surface textures of quartz grains. Physical weathering has mainly controlled the overall sediments and the composition of clay fraction. The clay minerals indicate a gradual shift in the weathering regime and therewith in climate from strongly glacial to fluvioglacial specially around 42 ka. This indicates beginning of warming of the area much before the LGM. But the warm period is not strong enough to alter the overall clay chemistry. Proxy records indicate short-period climatic oscillations during late Quaternary.

Floods and people, colonial north Bengal, 1871–1922

North Bengal is an area of heavy rainfall through which rivers flowing down from the Himalayas have been frequently overflowing and changing their beds in the soft alluvial soil. Floods have, therefore, been a recurring phenomenon, caused by snow-melting and heavy rainfall. The present article is an intensive study of the floods that ravaged north Bengal in a period of over 50 years (1871–1922) during which the ground surface changed with the building of embanked railway lines, other embankments and dams thereby blocking the natural drainage lines of the past. The article also chronicles how the local populations suffered from the constant recurrence and increasing virulence of floods. It thus aims to bring together the information we have on the environmental and the human history of the region for a period of about 50 years of colonial rule.

Understanding the spatial distribution and physical attributes of upland swamps in the Sydney Basin as a template for their conservation and management

ABSTRACTTemperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (THPSS) and Coastal Upland Swamps in the Sydney Basin (CUSSB) are listed as endangered ecological communities under Australia's national and state legislation. They are threatened by a range of human and climate impacts. Across the region there are 3208 individual, valley-bottom, elongate-shaped, upland swamps that drain first- or second-order drainage lines and small catchment areas (mean = 0.25 km2). They occur at a median distance of 57 km from the coast in areas with an average annual rainfall of 1505 mm/year and average annual temperature of 15°C. Those closer to the coast occur on elevations as low as 160 m a.s.l., and those further from the coast, on plateau country, occur up to 1172 m a.s.l. (median 634 m a.s.l.). The valleys that contain these swamps terminate downstream at a valley constriction or bedrock step, behind which alluvial materials have accumulated, and peat has formed to produce relatively steep swamps (median slope 6.2 per cent). Understanding the spatial distribution and physical attributes of these systems, and having the accompanying maps as a resource, is critical for development of sound, well-informed conservation, rehabilitation and monitoring programs, and for analysing the ecosystem services they provide.

GIS-based analysis of the Stream Length-Gradient Index for evaluating effects of active tectonics: a case study of Enfidha (North-East of Tunisia)

Our study aims at calculating morphometric indices through the recourse to the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and its attributes (hydrographic networks, watersheds, and reliefs). This quantitative measurement is used for the morphotectonical analysis of the Enfidha area (North-East of Tunisia) in the GIS environment and statistical platform. The Enfidha area is selected to analyze and identify neotectonic morphostructures on basis of the morphological evolution of the landscape. The coastal Enfidha plain is part of the Tunisian Sahel that is marked by its instability and frequent earthquakes that prove the presence of the recent deformation and active subsurface faults. This morphometric modeling in the geological investigation area reflects the morphotectonic spatial evolution in the Quaternary basins areas. Stream length (SL) proposed by Hack (1973) and denominated by Etchebehere et al. (2004) Revista do Instituto de Geociencias USP, Serie Cientifica, Sao Paulo 4(2):43–56 as the RDE index (Relation Declivity Extension) was used for application in the studies of neotectonic approach. RDE index is one of the morphotectonical indices that designates the tectonics anomalies in rivers. The variability in (RDE) values can indicate both a lithology resistance towards erosion and major active subsurface faults or low slope. Our geostatistical method is required to obtain RDE index maps based on lithological filtrations and value interpolations which are calculated in a drainage line network. This method calculates, measures, and validates spatial distribution of hack RDE index through a high statistical accuracy in a quantitative anomalies study. The RDE anomaly maps of the study area mirror the concurrence between anomaly zones, major active subsurface E-W faults, and local geological discontinuities related to neotectonical activities that affect the hydrographic network. This study proves that the RDE index can be especially used to detect the influence of active large-scale faults on the landscape evolution.

Eco-hydrological controls on microclimate and surface fuel evaporation in complex terrain

The micrometeorological factors driving variation in litter moisture (GWClit) at the landscape scale are poorly understood, particularly in areas with heterogeneous vegetation and complex terrain. In this research we seek to quantify how climate and eco-hydrology contribute to variation in litter moisture and potential evaporation at the forest floor. Research sites were established at 12 locations in southeast Australia with variable precipitation, solar exposure, and drainage position. We measured solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, litter moisture, and litter temperature. Spatial patterns of GWClit, examined during two drying phases, show that moisture in the litter and its rate of evaporation are closely linked to vegetation density, which is largely a function of aridity. This creates a pattern whereby aridity-related differences in vegetation structure controls the spatial variation in GWClit, with regional effects being driven by precipitation while local effects are caused by variation in solar exposure and drainage position. By parametrising a model of daily potential evaporation (Ep) at the forest floor we explore how vegetation and topography influence evaporative demand above the litter layer. The model shows that Ep is driven primarily by net radiation and that the role of vapour pressure deficit is almost negligible due to high moisture content within the sub-canopy air mass and high aerodynamic resistance. In dry forests the net radiation is directly related to shortwave radiation and Ep remains high despite low temperatures. In the tall wet forests, commonly found at high elevations, along drainage lines and on slopes with polar-facing aspects, the long-wave radiation (i.e. temperature) was just as important for Ep as the shortwave radiation. Low energy inputs to the forest floor in these tall forests means that a significant rainfall event results in surface fuels that remain wet for much longer than fuels in the dry open forest. This leads to a spatial pattern of flammability whereby surface fuels in densely vegetated areas are more often less likely to burn than those in the open forests. These wet compartments limit landscape-scale fire activity by creating dis-connectedness in the available fuel. Heatwaves and the duration of dry spells determine the degree with which these wet compartments persist as barriers to fuel connectivity through a fire season. Elsewhere in the landscape, however, the large inputs of shortwave radiation to the forest floor means that surface fuels reach flammable conditions within several hours or days after rainfall and are therefore flammable for much of the fire season.

Grazing impacts on gully dynamics indicate approaches for gully erosion control in northeast Australia

AbstractDrainage network extension in semi‐arid rangelands has contributed to a large increase in the amount of fine sediment delivered to the coastal lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef, but gully erosion rates and dynamics are poorly understood. This study monitored annual erosion, deposition and vegetation cover in six gullies for 13 years, in granite‐derived soils of the tropical Burdekin River basin. We also monitored a further 11 gullies in three nearby catchments for 4 years to investigate the effects of grazing intensity. Under livestock grazing, the long‐term fine sediment yield from the planform area of gullies was 6.1 t ha‐1 yr‐1. This was 7.3 times the catchment sediment yield, indicating that gullies were erosion hotspots within the catchment. It was estimated that gully erosion supplied between 29 and 44% of catchment sediment yield from 4.5% of catchment area, of which 85% was derived from gully wall erosion. Under long‐term livestock exclusion gully sediment yields were 77% lower than those of grazed gullies due to smaller gully extent, and lower erosion rates especially on gully walls. Gully wall erosion will continue to be a major landscape sediment source that is sensitive to grazing pressure, long after gully length and depth have stabilised. Wall erosion was generally lower at higher levels of wall vegetation cover, suggesting that yield could be reduced by increasing cover. Annual variations in gully head erosion and net sediment yield were strongly dependent on annual rainfall and runoff, suggesting that sediment yield would also be reduced if surface runoff could be reduced. Deposition occurred in the downstream valley segments of most gullies. This study concludes that reducing livestock grazing pressure within and around gullies in hillslope drainage lines is a primary method of gully erosion control, which could deliver substantial reductions in sediment yield. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Application Of Logistic Regression Method To Produce Landslide Susceptibility Map: A Case Study Of Tetouan Mazari, Morocco

The main purpose of this study is to use logistic regression (RL) model to map landslide susceptibility in and around the area of Tetouan Mazari in the Northern Morocco. Parameters, such as lithology, slope gradient, slope aspect, faults, drainage lines, and hillshade, were considered. Landslide susceptibility map was produced using RL method and then compared and validated. Before the modeling and validation, the observed landslides were separated into two groups. The first group was for training, and the other group was for validation steps. The accuracy of the model was measured by fitting them to a validation set of observed landslides. For validation process, the half landslides remaining was used. The final map was classified into five classes: Very High (32%), High (40%), Medium (7%), Low (7%) and Nil (15%). According to these values logistic regression was determined to be one of the most accurate method to generate landslide susceptibility map. Last but not least, logistic regression model can be used to manage and mitigate hazards related to landslides and to aid in land-use planning for the city of Tetouan‥

A model for locating fodder shrub plantations sites in the Jordanian badiyah

We developed a GIS desktop model to accurately locate and map prospective areas for sustainable establishment and production of Atriplex plantations and other fodder shrubs in the desert in the north-eastern Jordanian Badiyah. The aim is to provide a tool to assist managers, local communities and development projects in Mediterranean arid and semi-arid rangelands. The model uses freely available data and GIS layers of current land use, land cover, settlement location, soil information, and derivatives from a digital elevation model to provide critical locations of drainage lines and to calculate Areas of Accumulated Water from concentrated runoff. The model identified, accurately located and mapped ~4500 ha (1.44% of the test zone) as technically appropriate for potential shrub plantations sites. The final site map must be field-checked and validated with the local communities and authorities. Our model has potential for wide application over arid and semi-arid Mediterranean rangelands from Morocco to Pakistan, with local adjustment of our parameters and rules. The model considerably reduces the risk and costs of fodder plantation establishment operations, thus increasing the feasibility of efforts to maximise fodder shrub establishment, survival and production.