Our Research: From Species to Systems
Tamarisk (or saltcedar), an abundant invasive shrub, has become a dominant riparian woody species throughout much of the western United States. Here, scientists are using a spectrometer to measure the plant's spectral signature, which will support large-scale mapping by new satellite technologies. Invasive plants like tamarisk exacerbate the effects of a warming climate, in this case by usurping water from native plants that are already drought-stressed. Photo by Paul Evangelista, Colorado State University. Used with permission.
Click on the project title to learn more about current FORT research related to or involving climate change:
LEFT: A female White-tailed Ptarmigan is banded for a FORT study to assess the possible consequences of environmental changes brought about by climate change on wildlife populations. It is thought that alpine ecosystems will be one of the first habitats affected by climate change, and the impact on ptarmigan and other alpine-dependent species could be significant. Photo by Greg Wann, Colorado State University.
RIGHT: Aerial view of the prairie pothole region in the Missouri Coteau, Burke County, N.D. These prairie pothole and wetland landscapes are critical for migratory birds on the central flyway. Photograph by J. Ringelman, Ducks Unlimited.
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
