WK 27 - Addressing Global Warming Challenges in Drylands:  Integrating Ecophysiological Mechanisms with Ecohydrological Feedbacks

Tuesday, August 3, 2010: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
319, David L Lawrence Convention Center
Organizer:
Darin J. Law, University of Arizona
Moderator:
Darin J. Law, University of Arizona
Models used to predict effects of global warming suggest that large changes will occur in semi-arid drylands. Global warming will have direct and indirect effects on drylands manifest through ecophysiological mechanisms and ecohydrological feedbacks. In a broad sense, ecophysiology focuses on physiological mechanisms that allow a given organism to exist in a specific habitat or environment. These mechanisms primarily involve individuals and their specific adaptations to their environment. On the other hand, ecohydrology specifically focuses on the feedbacks between the hydrologic cycle and ecosystems. Scientists have long been studying physiological responses of plants to their environment. Likewise, scientists are beginning to understand the relatively new discipline of ecohydrology. However, lacking is a critical integration between how ecophysiology and ecohydrology will interactively respond to global warming. We propose a workshop that will integrate these two important disciplines. This workshop will include four fifteen minute presentations: 1. Overview of ecohydrology, ecophysiology and global warming, 2. Direct and indirect effects of global warming on ecophysiological mechanisms, 3. Direct and indirect effects of global warming on ecohydrological feedbacks, and 4. A presentation linking the mechanisms of ecophysiology with the feedbacks of ecohydrology that applies directly to global warming. After the presentation we propose a panel discussion and challenge the attendees to think synthetically about the integration of ecohydrology and ecophysiology and come up with specific areas of research whereby the blending of these two disciplines can assist the scientific community better prepare for, mitigate or avoid the effects of global warming in dryland ecosystems.

Registration Fee: $0

8:15 PM
 Ecophysiology and Global Warming
Rodney E. Will, Oklahoma State University
8:30 PM
 Ecohydrology and Global Warming
Chris B. Zou, Oklahoma State University
9:05 PM
 Panel Discussion on the Integration of Ecophysiology, Ecohydrology, and Global Warming
Darin J. Law, University of Arizona; Chris B. Zou, Oklahoma State University; Sujith Ravi, Stanford University; Rodney E. Will, Oklahoma State University
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