Importance/Issues

Climate is a major driver of ecosystem processes at global and local scales. To accurately interpret vital signs data, the SODN will need to account for variability in primary climatic factors. Because the influence of aspect and topography in the Sonoran Desert and Apache Highlands ecoregions results in high spatial variability in climate parameters, especially precipitation, watershed-scale information on precipitation and temperature is critical for ecological monitoring and park management.

Parks Monitored

All 11 Sonoran Desert Network parks.

Monitoring Objectives

Determine the status of and detect trends in baseline climate variables as measured at
at least one high-quality climate station per park unit. Data will be extrapolated to the entire park unit as appropriate.

Determine the status of and detect trends in daily precipitation and air temperature on a watershed scale.

Potential Measures

Photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR), total solar radiation, air temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed and direction.

Management Applications

Climate information is invaluable for park resource management activities. For example, accounting for watershed-scale climate patterns can guide fire management and habitat protection activities; suggest the likelihood of exotic plant invasion, the availability of surface water, and the potential occurrence of plant die-offs and recruitment events; and indicate the potential success of disturbed lands restoration actions.

Protocol Development Status

This protocol is currently being developed in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Network, Greater Yellowstone Network, and Southern Plains Network. A completed protocol is expected in fall 2009.

Status & Trends

This protocol has not been completed. Therefore, status and trend information is not available at this time.

Project Leads

Andy Hubbard, Network Program Manager
Jeff Balmat, Physical Science Technician