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U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010-1273

Vegetation and Substrate on Aeolian Landscapes in the Colorado River Corridor, Cataract Canyon, Utah

By Amy E. Draut and Elizabeth R. Gillette

ABSTRACT

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Vegetation and substrate data presented in this report characterize ground cover on aeolian landscapes of the Colorado River corridor through Cataract Canyon, Utah, in Canyonlands National Park. The 27-km-long Cataract Canyon reach has undergone less anthropogenic alteration than other reaches of the mainstem Colorado River. Characterizing ecosystem parameters there provides a basis against which to evaluate future changes, such as those that could result from the further spread of nonnative plant species or increased visitor use. Upstream dams have less effect on the hydrology and sediment supply in Cataract Canyon compared with downstream reaches in Grand Canyon National Park. For this reason, comparison of these vegetation and substrate measurements with similar data from aeolian landscapes of Grand Canyon will help to resolve the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on the Colorado River corridor ecosystem.

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Suggested citation:

Draut, A.E., and Gillette, E.R., 2010, Vegetation and substrate on aeolian landscapes in the Colorado River corridor, Cataract Canyon, Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010-1273, 61 p. and 14 spreadsheets.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Project Objectives

Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References Cited


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