Conceptual ecological models: Drivers for Vital Signs and Monitoring

1. Conceptual ecological models:Drivers for Vital Signs and Monitoring Dave Miller, Todd Esque, Dave Bedford, Debra Hughson, and Sean Finn with contributions from Jayne Belnap, Bob Webb, and many more…. and special thanks to reviewers Joel Siderius, John Gross, Penny Latham, Kris Heister, and Bob Truitt

2. Purpose of Conceptual Models Conceptual models are tools to organize and describe key ecosystem processes and components. The models lead to identifying vital signs and designing monitoring approaches. Models describe factors and processes controlling the structure and function of ecosystems, and help with interpreting monitoring data Models identify gaps in knowledge that may need to be pursued

3. WHY USGS??Recoverability and Vulnerability of Desert Ecosystems • RVDE and the Desert Managers Improve understanding of the Mojave Desert • Integrated science to fill a void in understanding of desert ecosystems • USGS studies the biotic-abiotic coupling in this abiotically structured ecosystem

4. Our Approach Parks in the MOJN represent fundamentally arid to semiarid landscapes where biota compete for water; there are some important mesic landscapes as well Small areas have perennial or seasonal abundance of water where aquatic to riparian organisms thrive WET and DRY systems ATMOSPHERIC (climate) and HUMAN systems This scheme allows the use of concepts on the availability of water as a way to link biotic and abiotic systems

5. Heirarchy of Models

6. Mojave Network Framework Model

7. Atmospheric System Model Winter storm moisture intercepted at the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges creates arid conditions for the Great Basin and Mojave deserts Mountains within the deserts have temperature and precipitation gradients that create biomes Eastern areas have more prevalent monsoon moisture in the summer

8. Wet Systems General Model • Climatic inputs mainly move via Groundwater to the components of interest: • Springs and wetlands • Stream and riparian areas • Lakes

9. Groundwater Model

10. Spring and Wetland Models

11. Spring and Wetland Models (cont.) • Vital Signs: • Groundwater dynamics and chemistry; climate • Monitoring goals: • Aquatic or riparian species sensitive to change • Discharge • Water characteristics

12. Dry Systems General Model • Climate influences the three main components directly: • Soil system • Vegetation and crusts • Animals • Complex links among the components are governed by many processes

13. Dry Systems Models Effective Moisture controls position of biomes Each biome is described by one or more models

14. Shrubland Models

15. Soil Moisture and Shrubland Models • Soil Moisture is dependent on texture, age of deposit, and climate factors • Soils govern plant community (species and cover) • Geomorphology and soils descriptions, when combined, provide predictors of plant community and “health” • Vital Signs: vegetation change, soil quality, climate

16. Shrubland Models Develop monitoring strategies with detailed, modern geomorphic and soils data.

17. Fire and Shrubland Models • Fire is dependent on plant community and climate factors • repeated fires can create a permanently altered state: an invasive grassland • Vital Signs: fire and fuel dynamics, invasive plants, soil quality, vegetation change, climate

18. USGS is pleased to have participated in the I&M process by expanding on its integrated science studies of the Mojave Desert ecoregion

19. The conceptual models have led to vital sign selection and hopefully will aid with monitoring designs and protocols