Ozone Affects Forest Watersheds

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018123306.htm
Published: October 18, 2012
No author given

Summary:

          US Forest Service and Oak Ridge National Laboratory composed a study using data from the atmospheric water supply and demand and statistical models to show that rising levels of ozone could increase the impact of higher temperatures and reduce stream flow from forests to bodies of water. This is particularly seen in late summer in areas of high ozone levels. 6 forested watersheds were observed during late season, from 38 acres to 3700 square miles. Ozone influence was estimated at 7% in the area of lowest ozone exposure, and 23% at the highest exposure. This suggests ozone exposure reduces water loss from trees and forests, and areas of high exposure could create droughts in forests and reduce water availible for people and stream life.

Relevance:

         This study relates to our first unit on ecology because it describes the effects ozone levels have on forested watersheds. The scientist performing this study fear that the decrease in watershed could affect the amount of water available for humans and water flow necessary for aquatic life to exist within stream water from watersheds. As we studied watersheds, we had examined how the existence of plant life and trees impacted the amount of watershed, and this study adds another variable to consider.