Desertification of rangelands: 4.20

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Abstract

Desertification, the broad-scale conversion of perennial grasslands to dominance by annuals or xerophytic shrubs, has affected drylands globally over the past several centuries. Desertification is a cumulative threat that includes both climatic (e.g., drought) and land-use drivers (e.g., livestock overgrazing, fire). In this chapter, we determine the vulnerability of different ecosystem services to changes in drivers and ecosystem states, with a focus on the American Southwest. We have four objectives: (1) to describe key services in drylands, (2) to identify consequences of desertification to each service, (3) to explore the vulnerability of each service to future state-changes if existing threats intensify and new threats emerge, and (4) to determine threats expected to have the greatest future impact, and to provide potential actions for mitigation. We conclude with recommendations.
Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Desertification of rangelands: 4.20
ISBN 978-0-12-384704-1
DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-384703-4.00426-3
Volume 4
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 20 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Other Government Series
Larger Work Title Climate vulnerability: understanding and addressing threats to essential resources: vulnerability of ecosystems to climate
First page 239
Last page 258
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