Arid and semi-arid ecosystems cover ∼40% of Earth’s land surface, but little is known about how climate change will affect these areas. Now experimental research shows that altered precipitation (more small events) can result in a negative moss carbon balance leading to dramatic moss mortality. These findings indicate the potential sensitivity of drylands to subtle climatic changes.
- Sasha C. Reed
- Kirsten K. Coe
- Jayne Belnap
