Integrating Remote and In-Situ Data to Assess the Hydrological Response of a Post-Fire Watershed

Forest fire is a common concern in Mediterranean watersheds. Fire-induced canopy mortality may cause the degradation of chemical–physical properties soil and influence hydrological processes within across However, prediction pedological effect forest fires with heterogenous severities entire watersheds remains difficult task. A large occurred 2017 northern Italy providing opportunity to test an integrated approach that exploits remote in-situ data for assessing impact on response semi-natural The based combination remotely-sensed information burned areas measurements infiltration areas. Such collected were used adapt rainfall–runoff model over experimental watershed produce comparative evaluation flood peak volume runoff pre- post-fire conditions. semi-distributed Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) lag-time methods estimation losses propagation, respectively, watershed. effects modeled by adjusting CN values different severities. Direct carried out better understand capacity. We simulated following one most severe storm events had hit area last few years. Fire serious repercussions regard response, increasing up 125% 75%, respectively. capacity was seriously compromised as well, reducing unsaturated hydraulic conductivity 75% compared pre-fire These findings can provide insights into whole improve assessment surface alterations suffered