Geology ReportsSearch

USGS · 70212724

Precipitation and vegetation

Abstract

As time marches on, historians are usually quite faithful in recording the activities of man, and it will usually be found that Mother Nature is even more meticulous in reflecting and preserving her experiences, more especially with regard to climate and vegetation. Just how much the activities of man have done to modify the natural conditions of a virgin country may in some respects always remain a question. There is however, no longer the slightest doubt about the influence civilization may have had on the climate—which is none at all! And it is the purpose of the present paper to introduce a few trustworthy witnesses in support of the hypothesis that the activities of man have also been ineffective with respect to noteworthy changes in the general aspect of the native vegetation, outside the ranch‐fences of the West.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Ralf R. Woolley, J.C. Alter. 2014-08-18. Precipitation and vegetation. https://doi.org/10.1029/tr019i002p00604

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

Better approaches to managing drought in the American Southwest

The second in a series of USGS Southwest Region (SWR) “Science Exchange” annual workshops, focused on USGS drought science. The participants considered how extreme drought conditions are evolving in much of the American southwest, with an emphasis on integrated drought science planning at the USGS bureau and program levels. The increased need for interdisciplinary science to support resource-management decisions systems, was highlighted. The workshop brought together scientists and program managers from USGS with Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Bureau of Reclamation and state water management departments. Key objectives of the workshop were to improve awareness of ongoing drought-science work within the region, highlight the capabilities of USGS-SWR science centers in drought science, and build new relationships to advance best approaches in drought science. Topics covered in presentations and demonstrations were broad-ranging and included monitoring for drought early warning; water use and water production associated with petroleum production; paleo perspectives on drought, and ecological consequences of drought to native fish.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union

Defining opportunities for collaboration across data life cycles

Monitoring natural resources - water, forests, and animal populations—is required to support effective management of natural resources. However, because monitoring activities are often specific to a discipline, issue, or agency, it is typically difficult to integrate data to answer questions that transcend geopolitical and jurisdictional boundaries. How do we reach the better data integration we need?

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union

Coastal fog, climate change, and the environment

Coastal marine fog, a characteristic feature of climates generated at the eastern boundaries of ocean basins worldwide, evokes different feelings in those who experience it (see Figure 1). Authors and poets use fog to represent mystery, bleakness, and confusion. Film directors seek out fog to shroud scenes in eerie gloominess. Tourists visiting beaches bemoan the cool and damp conditions that create a striking contrast to the sunny warm conditions typically found less than a few kilometers inland. Airline passengers delayed by fog impatiently wait for the skies to clear. Residents get used to the Sun “rising” in midday after fog dissipates.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union