"Our study challenges the conventional wisdom that trees in dry environments are more vulnerable to drought," said study lead author Dr. James Randerson, a professor of Earth system science at UCI. "We found that trees in wet environments are actually more sensitive to drought because they have less tolerance for water stress."
The researchers used satellite data and computer modeling to study how trees responded to drought in different regions of the world. They found that trees in wet environments were more likely to die during drought than trees in dry environments. This was because trees in wet environments are adapted to high levels of water availability and are less able to tolerate dry conditions.
The findings could have important implications for managing forests and water resources in a changing climate. As the climate becomes warmer and drier, trees in wet environments may be more vulnerable to drought and die off. This could lead to changes in forest structure and function, as well as a loss of biodiversity.
The researchers say that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the increased sensitivity of trees in wet environments to drought. They also say that forest management practices should be adapted to take into account the increased vulnerability of trees in wet environments to drought.
"Our study provides new insights into the impacts of drought on trees," said Randerson. "These insights can help us to develop strategies to manage forests and water resources in a changing climate."
