Severe droughts are predicted to become more frequent with climate change. Northern Idaho experienced its worst drought on record in 2015 (record keeping began in 1895) and central TX experienced its worst drought in over 1200 years in 2011-2015.
We are trying to understand what this might mean for different tree species in different habitats. Above is an image showing the impact of the 2011-2015 Texas drought. This picture was taken in July of 2013 - everything in grey is dead. We are also working on what happens after drought when precipitation returns. For example, is there a physiological legacy of drought or do plants just go back to business as usual?
We are using field- and greenhouse-based studies, along with process-based models, to try to understand the mechanisms of drought induced mortality and plant responses to drought alleviation.
We are trying to understand what this might mean for different tree species in different habitats. Above is an image showing the impact of the 2011-2015 Texas drought. This picture was taken in July of 2013 - everything in grey is dead. We are also working on what happens after drought when precipitation returns. For example, is there a physiological legacy of drought or do plants just go back to business as usual?
We are using field- and greenhouse-based studies, along with process-based models, to try to understand the mechanisms of drought induced mortality and plant responses to drought alleviation.
