Weather and climate inventory, National Park Service, Mediterranean Coast Network

Davey, C; Redmond, K; Simeral, D

Climate is a dominant factor driving the physical and ecologic processes affecting the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network (MEDN). Climate variations are responsible for short- and long-term changes in ecosystem fluxes of energy and matter and have profound effects on underlying geomorphic and biogeochemical processes. The parks of the MEDN are linked by their Mediterranean-type climate, characterized by cool wet winters and dry summers, although summer fog (coastal haze) is an important moisture source in all MEDN park units, particularly in Channel Islands National Park (CHIS). The MEDN is home to a few important climate transition zones, including coast-interior transitions and transitions between subtropical and temperature climate regimes. The El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is an important interannual driver of MEDN climate, with wetter winters being more common during El Niño periods. These events bring the potential of significant flash flooding and associated disturbances to MEDN ecosystems. Santa Ana wind events, most common during the late fall and early winter, are locally-important in the MEDN and have been tied to fire activity within the area. The impacts of disturbances due to fires and flooding events have become increasingly severe in the MEDN due to increased urbanization in recent decades, which may adversely impact the ability of plant and animal communities within the MEDN to adapt to future climate changes. Climate is one of the 12 basic inventories to be completed for all National Park Service(NPS) Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) networks.

Weather and climate inventory, National Park Service, Mediterranean Coast Network

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