Biocomplexity--Incubation Activity: Drought in Mesic and Arid Environments: Climatology, Biotic Responses, and Feedbacks

University Of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa AL

Investigators

Abstract

0083752 Ward Faculty from the University of Alabama and the University of New Mexico will coordinate development of a Biocomplexity research proposal that (1) advances our current, limited understanding of how droughts are initiated and maintained; and (2) provides assessments of impacts of drought in river basins in the contrasting mesic and semi-arid climates of Alabama and New Mexico. We will develop a new, quantitative understanding of biological, hydrological and atmospheric interactions that control initiation, duration, and consequences of drought. Our ultimate goal is to understand biotic response to drought well enough to make estimates of climate feedback and contribute to better predictive climate models. The planning proposal will fund analyses and integration of relevant data sets from both regions, travel for faculty exchanges, and full-group workshops to facilitate preparation of a biocomplexity and other interdisciplinary research proposals appropriate for this theme.