Terrestrial Ecosystem Response to Climate Change：陆地生态系统对气候变化的响应.ppt

Terrestrial Ecosystem Response to Climate Change Global Change and Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystem Introduction Temperature, precipitation, latitude and altitude all determine distribution of major terrestrial ecosystems (biomes). Plants found within the different biomes are influenced by soil type, water shed conditions and amount of sun. Specific combinations of temperatures and precipitation ensure the survival and thriving of plants within a given environment (known as Climate space). Terrestrial Ecosystems are an… Integral part of global carbon system Plants take in and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis Below ground microbes decompose organic matter and release organic carbon back into the atmosphere Forests Forests occupy major portions of land mass in different countries. In the U.S. forests occupy 33% of the land mass Forests have many functions: Provides habitat for plants and animals Influence amount of and availability of water runoff Provide sites for recreation Provide timber for harvesting lumber; wood pulp, fire wood for fuel Total commercial valued in U.S. = $290 billion Land Formation 18,000 years ago glaciers retreated in the Northern hemisphere resulting in a rocky and lifeless ecosystem Pioneer plants emerged Lichens – broke down rock Decaying lichens mixed with broken rock chips developed soil (long/slow process) Winds blew – soil flew – dispersed into crevices of rocks – provided nutrients for small plants to grow Soon mosses appeared followed by grasses, then larger plants (shrubs trees) known as primary succession Succession and Climax Forests Secondary Succession Secondary succession occurs quicker than primary succession (soils already there) Exception to this – land cleared for development and agriculture Temperate forests dominate because of their resistance to fires Less resistant trees eventually die off – leaving the evergreens still standing Fires promote evergreen growth by busting seed c