Rangeland Responses to Predicted Increases in Drought Extremity

Authors

David D. Breshears, University of ArizonaFollow
Alan K. Knapp, Colorado State University - Fort CollinsFollow
Darin J. Law, University of ArizonaFollow
Melinda D. Smith, Colorado State University - Fort CollinsFollow
Dirac L. Twidwell, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Carissa L. Wonkka, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

Rangelands 38(4):191—196

Comments

© 2016 The Authors.

Open access

doi: 10.1016/j.rala.2016.06.009

Abstract

Rangeland managers actively focus on the potential to induce a shift in a site to an alternative state, but predicted changes in climate, particularly the likelihood of more extreme drought, necessitate reevaluating risks for alternative states. • Rangelands will differ in their susceptibility to undergo state changes due to climate change in general and for droughts of the future, in particular, which may be hotter. • Trees, shrubs, and grasses are expected to differ in their sensitivity to drought, with trees likely being most sensitive; this affects the likelihood for state changes in grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and savannas. • Considering these differences can help rangeland managers deal with the challenges of increasing drought that is forecast to occur with climate change.