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Synopsis

The UNSW Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station in western NSW has entered a new era, focusing on rather than grazing sheep. The university has also invested in new research infrastructure to facilitate experiments on ecology and land management. Despite decades of research, many aspects of the vegetation dynamics at Fowlers Gap are poorly understood. Questions remain, such as:

• When did many of the Mulga trees in the ranges die, and what was the likely cause?
• Why are many shrubland areas now dominated by subshrubs (e.g. Sclerolaena spp)?
• Can satellite remote sensing be used to monitor vegetation composition?

Fowlers Gap is the ideal place to investigate arid zone vegetation dynamics, as there is a wealth of available data, such as:

• Satellite, aerial, and drone imagery.
• Aerial, drone, and terrestrial laser scanner (lidar) data
• Historical vegetation community and land system maps.
• Vegetation photo points from 1987-2001.
• Grazing and rainfall records.

Aims

To investigate methods of monitoring arid zone vegetation dynamics at Fowlers Gap, using remote sensing. Historical field observations and new field measurements can also be used with the remote sensing data. Research questions can focus on vegetation dynamics in response to rainfall and grazing, at a variety of temporal scales.

Student benefits

This is an applied remote sensing project that will allow the student to develop skills in quantitative geography/ecology and analysing large data sets, with a practical focus on land management. Experience in remote sensing or GIS and an interest in vegetation is essential, while some experience with scientific programming would be useful.

Supervisors: Dr Adrian Fisher