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The Brazilian Cerrado is becoming hotter and drier
Gabriel S Hofmann1, Manoel F Cardoso2, Ruy J V Alves3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Global Change Biology
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Climate change is warming the Brazilian Cerrado, reducing critical nighttime dewfall essential for biodiversity. These changes threaten this vital ecosystem and its unique species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Science
- Biodiversity Studies
Background:
- The Brazilian Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from vegetation loss and wildfires.
- Climate change impacts are increasingly evident at local and regional scales within the Cerrado.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in temperature and air humidity during the dry-to-rainy season transition in the Brazilian Cerrado.
- To assess trends in dew point depression as a proxy for biodiversity impacts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three independent datasets: direct observations, remote sensing, and climate modeling.
- Analyzed temperature (daytime/nighttime) and air humidity data from 1961 to 2019.
- Evaluated dew point depression trends to understand water availability impacts.
Main Results:
- Recorded significant monthly temperature increases: 2.2-4.0°C (maximum) and 2.4-2.8°C (minimum) between 1961-2019.
- Observed a ~15% reduction in relative humidity despite an increase in absolute humidity.
- Warming trends indicate reduced nocturnal dewfall, impacting water sources for Cerrado flora and fauna.
Conclusions:
- Continued warming trends threaten to diminish nocturnal dewfall, jeopardizing water availability for numerous species.
- Climate change impacts on temperature and humidity in the Cerrado could lead to significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.
- Further research is needed to explore land-use implications on Cerrado ecosystems and climate change effects.
Keywords:
MODISReanalysis IIabsolute humidityclimate changedewdew pointecosystem collapseglobal biodiversity hotspotssavannatemperatureMore Related Videos
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