Forest & trees
- Evapotranspiration in an arid environment - Evapotranspiration is an important process in the water cycle because it is responsible for 15% of the atmosphere's water vapor. Without that input of water vapor, clouds could not form, and precipitation would never fall. It is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.
- Trees are out of equilibrium with climate - A research team studied the current ranges of hundreds of North American trees and shrubs to assess the degree to which species are growing in all of the places that are climatically suitable. Researchers found evidence of widespread 'underfilling' of these potential climatic habitats -- only 50% on average -- which could mean that trees already have disadvantage as the world continues to warm.
- Critical temperature for tropical tree lifespan revealed - For the first time scientists have provided clear evidence that tropical tree lifespan decreases above a critical temperature threshold.