How long dry events affects biodiversity?5 answersDry events have a significant impact on biodiversity, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. Research indicates that the duration of dry spells influences biodiversity in rivers, with longer drying events leading to more pronounced effects on aquatic communities. Studies show that the response of aquatic invertebrate communities to drying varies between historically drying (HD) and recently drying (RD) networks, with RD networks experiencing stronger effects on taxonomic richness due to drying. Additionally, the severity of drying disturbances affects the alpha and beta diversities of aquatic invertebrate communities, with local and regional-scale factors interacting to drive shifts in biodiversity patterns over time. Therefore, the duration of dry events plays a crucial role in shaping biodiversity dynamics in freshwater ecosystems, highlighting the importance of understanding and monitoring the impacts of drying disturbances on aquatic communities.
What is the relevance of sustainable mountain development?5 answersSustainable mountain development is relevant for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the optimum usage of environmental resources in mountain areas, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Secondly, it promotes the development of local economies, particularly in mountain regions, by increasing the number of mountain producers, products, and local gastronomic points. Thirdly, it contributes to the overall economic development of a country, as mountain tourism has the potential to attract visitors and generate revenue. Additionally, sustainable mountain development helps in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotes the well-being of local communities. It also ensures the long-term resilience and adaptation of tourism destinations, particularly in the face of disasters and other challenges. Overall, sustainable mountain development is crucial for balancing economic growth, environmental conservation, and the well-being of local communities in mountain regions.
Why do clouds form less often in the dry season?4 answersClouds form less often in the dry season due to changes in land surface characteristics, such as albedo, surface roughness, and canopy resistance ^[Lyons]. The replacement of native vegetation with agriculture alters these surface characteristics, leading to a reduction in convective cloud formation ^[Lyons]. In Western Australia, the change in surface characteristics, particularly the decrease in albedo, limits the vertical development of the boundary layer, resulting in fewer clouds during the dry season ^[Lyons].
What is the impact of climate change on the hydrology of mountain critical zones?4 answersClimate change has uncertain impacts on the hydrology of mountain critical zones. High-resolution modeling suggests that during hot, dry summers in the Alps, stressed vegetation takes advantage of downslope water subsidies, leading to amplified runoff deficits and further depletion of water resources. Cryospheric and hydrological changes, combined with socio-economic development, pose a threat to downstream water security in mountain regions. Simulated mountain hydrological processes are sensitive to changes in air temperature and precipitation, with peak snow water equivalent, evapotranspiration, and annual runoff showing pronounced sensitivity. Future climatic changes in the Tianshan Mountains are projected to increase temperature and precipitation, resulting in changes in flow and evapotranspiration. Mountain regions, which rely less on groundwater and more on fragile surface water sources, are vulnerable to climate change impacts, highlighting the need for strategies to adapt to changing water supplies.
What are the key challenges in disaster preparedness in mountainous areas?1 answersDisaster preparedness in mountainous areas faces several key challenges. One challenge is the limited scientific knowledge of the residents regarding disaster occurrence, which leads to an overestimation of risks and reduces their dependencies on the place. Another challenge is the rapid urbanization in mountain regions, which increases risks and vulnerabilities by introducing new and complex hazards and undermining pre-existing strategies to minimize environmental dangers. Additionally, the combination of a dynamic bio-geophysical environment and intensified human use has increased the vulnerability of mountain social-ecological systems to risk from hazards. Furthermore, the evolution of social-ecological systems in mountain environments, from relatively discrete and isolated pockets of population to larger, diversified structures, has magnified exposures and vulnerabilities, requiring pro- and reactive risk governance at various scales. These challenges highlight the need for policies that can help educate and prepare the residents, develop suitable disaster mitigation strategies, and create conditions for building resilience in risk-prone mountain areas.
What happens if lack of vegetation cover leads to dry environmental condition?8 answers