Habitat Suitability for Tamarisk Invasion in the State of Utah

The Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) is a partnership between NASA and The US Geological Survey (USGS). The ISFS combines NASA Earth observations and statistical models to enhance USGS capabilities to map, monitor and predict the spread of significant invasive plant species. This video shows the habitat suitability for a Tamarisk invasion in the state of Utah. Tamarisk spreads quickly along riverbeds and when it sheds its leaves, this foliage secretes salt on the soil, which hinders other plant growth. Red indicates areas that are highly suitable for Tamarisk. Yellow indicates areas which are less suitable, and gray are areas which are not suitable.