Published

Field technician Samuel Matta collecting water samples atop a climate tower in lower elevation forest
Credit: Monique Picon

Luquillo LTER uses an elevation gradient as a proxy for studying certain aspects of climate change. High elevation cloud forests on mountain summits harbor many endemic species likely to be threatened by the changes in precipitation and temperature projected to impact these areas within 20 years. Recording changes in biota and critical ecosystem function along the elevational gradient through the year 2100 will capture key aspects of the changing climate and disturbance regime.

Learn more

  1. González, G, Willig, MR, Waide, RB 2013. Advancements in the understanding of spatiotemporal gradients in tropical landscapes: a Luquillo focus and global perspective. Ecological Gradient Analyses in a Tropical Landscape. Willig, MR; Waide, RB, eds. Ecological Bulletins 54. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
  2. Miller, PW et al. 2018. A 42-Year inference of cloud base height trends in the Luquillo Mountains of northeastern Puerto Rico. Climate Research. doi: 10.3354/cr01529

Contact

Jess Zimmerman
jesskz@ites.upr.edu

Posted:  July 16, 2020  

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