Assessment of Post-Fire Impacts on Vegetation Regeneration and Hydrological Processes in a Mediterranean Peri-Urban Catchment

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a wildfire on vegetation recovery and hydrological processes in a Mediterranean peri-urban system, using remote sensing and hydrological modeling. NDVI and MSAVI2 time series extracted from burned areas, control plots, and VAR-modeled plots were used to analyze vegetation regeneration. The SWAT model, calibrated for pre-fire conditions due to data limitations, was used to evaluate subbasin-scale hydrological impacts. Results showed limited recovery in the first post-fire year, with vegetation indices remaining lower in burned areas compared to control plots. High- and moderate-burn-severity areas presented the most significant NDVI and MSAVI2 increases. The SWAT model showed increased water yield, percolation, and surface runoff with reduced evapotranspiration in post-fire conditions. Peak discharges were notably higher during wet periods. Modified land use and soil properties affected the catchment’s hydrological balance, emphasizing the complexities of post-fire catchment dynamics.