Weather and Climate Inventory, National Park Service, Gulf Coast Network

Davey, C; Redmond, K; Simeral, D

Climate is a dominant factor driving the physical and ecologic processes affecting the Gulf Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network (GULN), which contains a broad range of upland, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, including the most extensive wetland areas in the U.S. Compared to other networks, the GULN is uniquely vulnerable to potential sea level rises due to future climate changes, as these rises would inundate substantial tracts of valuable coastal wetlands, particularly in Louisiana. Occasional drought periods can have significant negative consequences on GULN ecosystems, since many of these systems are very dependent on water availability. Future climate changes may lead to more frequent drought conditions across much of the GULN. Tropical storms and hurricanes regularly make landfall along the Gulf Coast during the summer and fall months, playing a significant role in shaping the structure and characteristics of GULN ecosystems, particularly coastal systems. Human influences have introduced disturbances and land-use heterogeneities that have introduced local- and regional-scale climate changes and adversely affect the ability of the plant and animal communities in the GULN to adapt to future climate changes and compete successfully with newly-established nonnative species. Because of its influence on the ecology of GULN park units and the surrounding areas, climate was identified as a high-priority vital sign for GULN and 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, Gulf Coast Network

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