Paved and unpaved roads are one of the most common human-induced disturbances, but surprisingly little research has been done on their hydrogeomorphic and ecological effects. From a hydrologic perspective their very low infiltration rates result in large amounts of surface runoff, and they also can intercept subsurface stormflow in hilly areas. The concentrated runoff from paved and unpaved roads often causes extensive rilling and gullying. Unpaved roads typically have very high surface erosion rates due to the lack of surface cover and surface runoff. Roads also are a major cause of shallow landslides. The chronic increases in peak flows and surface erosion can adversely affect water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Ecologically, roads can serve as barriers to migration and facilitate the spread of noxious weeds and other non-native organisms. Skid trails can compact the soil and reduce forest growth.
The purpose of this session is to bring together all those who are working on measuring, modeling, and minimizing the hydrogeomorphic and ecological effects of all types of roads. We invite papers on a wide range of road-related topics, including the production and delivery of runoff and erosion, roads as corridors of disturbance, modeling and predicting the effects of roads at different spatial scales, and management techniques to reduce the hydrogeomorphic and ecological effects of roads. We hope that this session will make scientists more aware of the importance of roads, stimulate additional work, and lead to greater collaboration.