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Ecological controls on water-cycle response to climate variability in deserts
B R Scanlon1, D G Levitt, R C Reedy
1Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713, USA. bridget.scanlon@beg.utexas.edu
Summary
Desert vegetation dynamics significantly impact water cycles. Increased rainfall from El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) boosts plant growth, reducing soil water and preventing groundwater recharge in arid regions.
Area of Science:
- Desert hydrology
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Climate variability impacts
Background:
- Desert ecosystems exhibit complex water cycle responses to climate variability.
- Biospheric feedback mechanisms operate across interannual to millennial timescales.
- Understanding these feedbacks is crucial for water resource management in arid regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vegetation dynamics in controlling desert water cycle responses to interannual climate variability.
- To demonstrate the impact of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on desert hydrology.
- To assess the long-term influence of vegetation on soil water storage and groundwater recharge.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a unique field dataset from weighing lysimeters under vegetated and non-vegetated conditions.
- Analyzed soil water storage and drainage in response to precipitation events.
- Examined soil water chloride accumulations to infer long-term hydrological trends.
Main Results:
- Elevated precipitation during ENSO events led to increased vegetation productivity.
- Increased vegetation reduced soil water storage by half compared to non-vegetated areas.
- Deep drainage and groundwater recharge were precluded despite increased rainfall.
- Long-term data indicate vegetation maintains dry soil conditions and upward water flow.
Conclusions:
- Vegetation dynamics play a critical role in regulating the desert water cycle, particularly in response to climate variability like ENSO.
- Desert vegetation can prevent groundwater recharge even during high-precipitation events.
- This feedback mechanism has been active since the last glacial period and may apply globally to desert basins.
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