Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to explore drought as a hydrometeorological phenomenon and reflect broadly on the characteristics of drought that influence forests, rangelands, and streams. It is a synthesis of understanding about drought processes, hydrology, paleoclimatology, and historical climate variability, and how this understanding can help predict potential future droughts and their consequences to forests and rangelands. It describes alternative approaches for characterizing drought and highlights additional work that could inform projection and adaptation for future droughts.
Parent Publication
Keywords
drought,
historical climate variability,
paleoclimatology
Citation
Luce, Charles H.; Pederson, Neil; Campbell, John; Millar, Connie; Kormos, Patrick; Vose, James M.; Woods, Ross. 2016. Characterizing drought for forested landscapes and streams [Chapter 2]. In: Vose, James M.; Clark, James S.; Luce, Charles H.; Patel-Weynard, Toral, eds. Effects of drought on forests and rangelands in the United States: A comprehensive science synthesis. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-93b. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. p. 13-48.
