scholarly journals Temperatures and precipitation affect vegetation dynamics on Scandinavian extensive green roofs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Lönnqvist ◽  
Hans Martin Hanslin ◽  
Birgitte Gisvold Johannessen ◽  
Tone Merete Muthanna ◽  
Maria Viklander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Roofs ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Spontaneous Vegetation ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

AbstractStandard succulent vegetation mixes developed mostly in temperate climates are being increasingly used on green roofs in different climate zones with uncertain outcome regarding vegetation survival and cover. We investigated vegetation on green roofs at nine temperate, cold, and/or wet locations in Norway and Sweden covering wide ranges of latitude, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, frequencies of freeze-thaw cycles, and longest annual dry period. The vegetation on the roofs were surveyed in two consecutive years, and weather data were compiled from meteorological databases. At all sites we detected a significant decline in species compared to originally intended (planted/sown) species. Both the survival rate and cover of the intended vegetation were positively related to the mean annual temperature. Contrary to a hypothesis, we found that intended vegetation cover was negatively rather than positively related to mean annual precipitation. Conversely, the unintended (spontaneous) vegetation was favoured by high mean annual precipitation and low mean annual temperature, possibly by enabling it to colonize bare patches and outcompete the intended vegetation. When there is high mortality and variation in cover of the intended vegetation, predicting the strength of ecosystem services the vegetation provides on green roofs is difficult. The results highlight the needs for further investigation on species traits and the local factors driving extinction and colonizations in order to improve survivability and ensure a dense vegetation throughout the successional stages of a green roof.

scholarly journals Biological and extrinsic correlates of extinction risk in Chinese lizards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxi Zhong ◽  
Chuanwu Chen ◽  
Yanping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Extrinsic Factors

Abstract China is a country with one of the most species rich reptile faunas in the world. However, nearly a quarter of Chinese lizard species assessed by the China Biodiversity Red List are threatened. Nevertheless, to date, no study has explicitly examined the pattern and processes of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards. In this study, we conducted the first comparative phylogenetic analysis of extinction risk in Chinese lizards. We addressed the following three questions: 1) What is the pattern of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards? 2) Which species traits and extrinsic factors are related to their extinction risk? 3) How can we protect Chinese lizards based on our results? We collected data on ten species traits (body size, clutch size, geographic range size, activity time, reproductive mode, habitat specialization, habitat use, leg development, maximum elevation, and elevation range) and seven extrinsic factors (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, mean annual solar insolation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), human footprint, human population density, and human exploitation). After phylogenetic correction, these variables were used separately and in combination to assess their associations with extinction risk. We found that Chinese lizards with small geographic range, large body size, high habitat specialization, and living in high precipitation areas were vulnerable to extinction. Conservation priority should thus be given to species with the above extinction-prone traits so as to effectively protect Chinese lizards. Preventing future habitat destruction should also be a primary focus of management efforts because species with small range size and high habitat specialization are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Runoff Retention Performance of Extensive Green Roofs

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongwei Gong ◽  
Dingkun Yin ◽  
Xing Fang ◽  
Junqi Li
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Retention Performance ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Rainfall Characteristics ◽  
Drainage Layer ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

The runoff retention effectiveness of 10 extensive green roof (EGR) modules (100 mm substrate planted Sedum lineare Thunb.) were analyzed in Beijing for 22 rainfall events (2.4–46.4 mm) from 1 July to 30 September 2017. Differences between minimum inter-event dry periods, module scales, substrate hydraulic conductivity and depths, drainage layer types and rainfall characteristics were examined to study their correlation to the retention performance of EGRs. In general, EGRs with lower substrate hydraulic conductivity, deeper substrate and lower rainfall depth had higher runoff retention performance. By comparsion, no siginificant correlation was found between rainfall duration, prior dry period, average rainfall intensity, drainage layer type and EGR runoff retention rate. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests supported these results. Low or moderate rainfall (<15 mm) may or may not have an effect, but heavy rainfall (>25 mm) definitely affects the EGR retention performance of the next rainfall event.

scholarly journals Patterns of soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity in grassland ecosystems across China

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (17) ◽  
pp. 5329-5341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiguang Feng ◽  
Jingsheng Wang ◽  
Yanjun Song ◽  
Biao Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Temperature Sensitivity ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Alpine Grasslands ◽  
Q10 Values ◽  
Grassland Types

Abstract. Soil respiration (Rs), a key process in the terrestrial carbon cycle, is very sensitive to climate change. In this study, we synthesized 54 measurements of annual Rs and 171 estimates of Q10 value (the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration) in grasslands across China. We quantitatively analyzed their spatial patterns and controlling factors in five grassland types, including temperate typical steppe, temperate meadow steppe, temperate desert steppe, alpine grassland, and warm, tropical grassland. Results showed that the mean (±SE) annual Rs was 582.0±57.9 g C m−2 yr−1 across Chinese grasslands. Annual Rs significantly differed among grassland types, and was positively correlated with mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon content, and aboveground biomass, but negatively correlated with soil pH (p<0.05). Among these factors, mean annual precipitation was the primary factor controlling the variation of annual Rs among grassland types. Based on the overall data across Chinese grasslands, the Q10 values ranged from 1.03 to 8.13, with a mean (±SE) of 2.60±0.08. Moreover, the Q10 values varied largely within and among grassland types and soil temperature measurement depths. Among grassland types, the highest Q10 derived by soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm occurred in alpine grasslands. In addition, the seasonal variation of soil respiration in Chinese grasslands generally cannot be explained well by soil temperature using the van't Hoff equation. Overall, our findings suggest that the combined factors of soil temperature and moisture would better predict soil respiration in arid and semi-arid regions, highlight the importance of precipitation in controlling soil respiration in grasslands, and imply that alpine grasslands in China might release more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere under climate warming.

Outcomes of a quantitative analysis of 46 soil chronosequence studies: Vegetation plays the key role for rates of podzolization in most environments.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Zwanzig ◽  
Martin Zwanzig ◽  
Daniela Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Sand Content ◽  
Soil Chronosequence ◽  
Soil Age

&lt;p&gt;Soil formation is controlled by climate, vegetation, organisms, topography, parent material and time. There are various hypotheses on the relative importance of these individual soil-forming factors. The quantitative influence of each soil-forming factor on the expression and rates of soil-forming processes, and in particular the influence of the different factors in combination, have not yet been sufficiently analyzed. The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of the soil-forming factors on the rates of podzolization. For this purpose, we compiled published data from 46 soil chronosequence studies in a database. These studies contained altogether 231 soil profiles of known age, on which we tested existing hypotheses on the influence of different soil-forming factors. The formation of an E horizon and its increase in thickness over time is one of the characteristic features of Podzol formation. As it is one of the few features that was described in all 46 studies, we used it as an indicator of progressive podzolization. Through statistical analysis, we investigated how E horizon thickness is affected by latitude, longitude, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, range between minimum and maximum monthly temperature, annual number of days with frost, vegetation class (pioneer, deciduous and coniferous), sand content, clay content, and soil age.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since E horizon thickness exhibited a zero-inflated (semi-)continuous distribution, we opted for a zero-altered gamma (ZAG) model, consisting of a Bernoulli and a Gamma part. The Bernoulli part shows, how the probability of the presence of an E horizon changes with soil age and environmental conditions. The Gamma part of the ZAG model allows for capturing the effects of the covariates on E horizon thickness. Our results indicate that vegetation is the most important factor for both (1) the soil age at which podzolization starts (used indicator: first occurrence of an E horizon), and (2) the rates of podzolization thereafter (used measure: increase of E horizon thickness with soil age). Climatic factors such as mean annual precipitation and range of temperature play subordinate roles. They are important for the soil age at which podzolization starts but less important for the rates of podzolization. We did not identify a significant influence of sand content, neither on the start nor the rates of podzolization. Thus, this statistical assessment of global data provides new insights into the relative importance of the individual soil-forming factors on the onset and temporal course of podzolization.&lt;/p&gt;

Relationships between nitrogen, acid-unhydrolyzable residue, and climate among tree foliar litters

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Berg ◽  
Chunjiang Liu ◽  
Ryszard Laskowski ◽  
Matthew Davey
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Quercus Robur ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Common Oak

Using literature data, we investigated coniferous and broadleaf litter from 58 tree species using a database encompassing concentrations of N and acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) (gravimetric lignin) in newly shed litter, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. Our aims were to (i) demonstrate any large-scale relationships between concentrations of N and AUR in foliar litter and (ii) determine differences in this respect among litter from Pinus and Quercus. To this end, we had collected foliar litter data for Asia and Europe, forming a climate gradient. Litter from broadleaf and coniferous trees differed significantly in concentrations of N (p < 0.0001, 9.64 versus 5.50 mg/g, respectively) and AUR (p < 0.0001, 219 versus 292 mg/g, respectively). There were highly significant positive linear relationships between concentrations of N and AUR for broadleaf (p < 0.0001) and coniferous litter (p < 0.0001). There were also significant positive relationships for AUR as a function of N concentration for the genera Pinus and Quercus but not within species. That for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was negative and that for common oak (Quercus robur L.) not significant.

The Eocene Thomas Ranch flora, Allenby Formation, Princeton, British Columbia, Canada

Botany ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 514-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Dillhoff ◽  
Thomas A. Dillhoff ◽  
David R. Greenwood ◽  
Melanie L. DeVore ◽  
Kathleen B. Pigg
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Middle Eocene ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Leaf Analysis ◽  
High Uncertainty

A flora from Thomas Ranch near Princeton, British Columbia, Canada, is assessed for biodiversity and paleoclimate. This latest Early to early Middle Eocene flora occurs in the Allenby Formation. Seventy-six megafossil morphotypes have been recognized, representing at least 62 species, with 29 identified to genus or species. Common taxa include Ginkgo L., Metasequoia Miki, Sequoia Endl., Abies Mill., Pinus L., Pseudolarix Gordon, Acer L., Alnus Mill., Betula L., Fagus L., Sassafras J Presl, Macginitiea Wolfe & Wehr, Prunus L., and Ulmus L. More than 70 pollen and spore types are recognized, 32 of which are assignable to family or genus. The microflora is dominated by conifers (85%–97% abundance), with Betulaceae accounting for most of the angiosperms. The Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP) calculates a mean annual temperature (MAT) of 9.0 ± 1.7 °C and bioclimatic analysis (BA) calculates a MAT of 12.8 ± 2.5 °C. Coldest month mean temperature (CMMT) was >0 °C. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) was >70 cm/year but is estimated with high uncertainty. Both the CLAMP and BA estimates are at the low end of the MAT range previously published for other Okanagan Highland localities, indicating a temperate climate consistent with a mixed conifer–deciduous forest.

scholarly journals Pollen, vegetation change and climate at Lake Barombi Mbo (Cameroon) during the last ca. 33 000 cal yr BP: a numerical approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lebamba ◽  
A. Vincens ◽  
J. Maley
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Potential Evapotranspiration ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Climate Reconstructions ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
Artificial Neural ◽  
High Precipitation

Abstract. This paper presents quantitative reconstructions of vegetation and climate along the pollen sequence of Lake Barombi Mbo, southwestern Cameroon (4°39'45.75" N, 9°23'51.63" E, 303 m a.s.l.) during the last 33 000 cal yr BP, improving previous empirical interpretations. The biomisation method was applied to reconstruct potential biomes and forest successional stages. Mean annual precipitation, mean annual potential evapotranspiration and an index of moisture availability were reconstructed using modern analogues and an artificial neural network technique. The results show a dense forested environment around Lake Barombi Mbo of mixed evergreen/semi-deciduous type during the most humid phases (highest precipitation and lowest evapotranspiration), but with a more pronounced semi-deciduous type from ca. 6500 cal yr BP to the present day, related to increased seasonality. This forest displays a mature character until ca. 2800 cal yr BP, then becomes of secondary type during the last millennium, probably due to increased human activity. Two episodes of forest fragmentation are shown, which are synchronous with the lowest reconstructed precipitation and highest potential evapotranspiration values. The first of these occurs during the LGM, and the second one from ca. 3000 to ca. 1200 cal yr BP, mainly linked to high precipitation seasonality. Savanna were, however, never extensive within the Barombi Mbo basin, existing instead inside the forest in form of savanna patches. The climate reconstructions at Lake Barombi Mbo suggest that the artificial neural networks technique would be more reliable in this region, although the annual precipitation values are likely under-estimated through the whole sequence.

scholarly journals A quantitative paleoclimatic reconstruction of the non-analogue environment of oxygen isotope stage 3: new data from small mammal records of southwestern Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara E. Rhodes ◽  
Nicholas J. Conard
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Upper Paleolithic ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Oxygen Isotope Stage

AbstractEnsuring comparability between results is a key goal of all paleoecological reconstructions. Quantitative estimates of meteorological variables, as opposed to relative qualitative descriptions, provide the opportunity to compare local paleoenvironmental records against global estimates and incrementally build regional paleoclimatic records. The Bioclimatic Method provides quantitative and qualitative estimates of past landscape composition and climate along with measures of statistical accuracy by applying linear discriminant functions analysis and transfer functions to faunal taxonomic abundance data. By applying this method to the rodent data from Geißenklösterle and Hohle Fels, two Paleolithic cave sites located in the Ach Valley of southwestern Germany, we classify the regional vegetation according to Walters’ zonobiome model. We also present new estimates of meteorological variables including mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, and vegetative activity period of the Ach Valley for the period spanning ~ 60,000 to 35,000 cal BP. The results suggest the Ach Valley contained a non-analogous landscape of arctic tundra and temperate deciduous woodland with occasional arid steppe expansion. Meteorological estimates suggest the climate was significantly colder during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic than today, with higher annual precipitation and dramatic temperature shifts between seasons. These results fit well with climatic reconstructions from Switzerland and the Netherlands based on a variety of proxies. They also provide further evidence of a localized climatic response within southwestern Germany to the stadial-interstadial shifts preceding the Heinrich 4 event. Finally, these results reinforce our previous claims that climatic volatility was not a driving force in the loss of Neanderthal groups throughout the Swabian Jura during OIS 3.

scholarly journals Inferencias paleoclimáticas para el Mioceno tardío en la cuenca de Angastaco basadas en el análisis fisionómico foliar: Formación Palo Pintado, Salta, Argentina

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 418
Author(s):  
Juan M. Robledo ◽  
Maricel Y. Horn ◽  
Claudia I. Galli ◽  
Luisa M. Anzótegui
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Humid Environment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
La Rioja ◽  
Basin Region

The continental sedimentary rocks that constitute the Palo Pintado Formation of the late Miocene from Salta province, presents a great paleoclimatic interest due to the environmental conditions prevailing during this geochronologic interval. The geological and paleobotanical data suggest that during the sedimentary rocks accumulation of the Palo Pintado Formation (Angastaco Basin), wetter conditions would have existed comparing with other nearby and contemporary Formations, for example the Playa del Zorro Aloformation (late Miocene of Catamarca) and the Chiquimil (late Miocene of Tucumán), Salicas and the Toro Negro Formations (both from the late Miocene of La Rioja). In this study, the margin and the foliar area of the leaves contained on rocks from the Palo Pintado Formation are analyzed, in order to obtain the mean annual temperature (MAT) and the mean annual precipitation (MAP). The resulting values were: 23.98 °C and 330.8 mm. These results are coincident by the interpretation of different authors, who consider that the Palo Pintado Formation would have been deposited under a relatively humid environment, possibly as a consequence of the rains that affected locally the Angastaco basin región.

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