Quantifying effects of climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
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One of the more significant voids remaining in our scientific understanding of global climate change is the relationship between climate change and the resulting changes expected in ecological communities. Because a large proportion of the North American landscape has been modified by human activities, it is difficult to assess whether ecological changes are being caused by human activities or climate change. Thus, we must look to landscapes where the modification has been less severe, such as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
My research uses satellite images and field surveys to evaluate how meadow habitats and their associated species respond to changes in precipitation and soil moisture over time. I am examining the plant, bird and butterfly communities to measure the response. Over 100 species of butterflies, 100 species of songbirds, and over 200 species of plants occur in this area. Within each of these taxonomic groups there are many species that show strong associations with specific types of meadows. This research is significant because it will provide an early warning system for assessing the effects of climate change. Documenting changes in montane meadows will assist in understanding how climate change may affect more highly managed areas of the globe.
Copyright © 2005, Diane Debinski. All rights reserved.