Preparing Aquatic Research for an Extreme Future: Call for Improved Definitions and Responsive, Multidisciplinary...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Climate Change

Background:

• Global increase in the frequency of extreme events.
• Growing scientific interest in ecological responses within aquatic ecosystems.
• Extreme events impact freshwater, coastal, and marine environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize observational studies on extreme events in aquatic ecosystems.
• Identify limitations in current research methodologies.
• Propose recommendations for advancing future research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of observational studies on extreme events.
• Analysis of study definitions, spatial and temporal scales, and measured responses (biological, chemical, physical).

Main Results:

• Inconsistent definitions of extreme events across studies.
• Ecological responses often not captured across the full spatial scale of events.
• Biological responses are frequently measured, while chemical and physical responses are often excluded.
• Sampling often extends beyond the event's temporal scale, supporting long-term monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Need for standardized definitions of extreme events.
• Importance of integrative, multidisciplinary approaches including physical and chemical data.
• Prioritize pre- and post-event data collection, leveraging long-term monitoring.
• Encourage intersite, cross-scale comparisons, novel methods, and flexible funding.