Climatic water deficit, tree species ranges, and climate change in Yosemite National Park

Research on Yosemite National Park reveals that projected increases in climatic water deficit (Deficit) due to climate change may significantly alter forest structure and composition. The study found a 23% increase in Deficit from present (1971–2000) to future projections (2020–49), with species like Pinus monticola and Tsuga mertensiana potentially facing disproportionate impacts. Using high-resolution spatial data, the study correlated tree species distributions with actual evapotranspiration (AET) and Deficit across a 2300-meter elevation gradient, showing that species differentiation intensifies under higher Deficit conditions. The research also highlights the importance of fine-scale soil and topographical data in improving vegetation-change projections in heterogeneous mountainous landscapes.

Lutz, J. A., van Wagtendonk, J. W., & Franklin, J. F. (2010). Climatic water deficit, tree species ranges, and climate change in Yosemite National Park. Journal of Biogeography, 37(5), 936–950. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2009.02268.x