A recent article titled “Surviving or Dying of Thirst”, published in the magazine Desde la Patagonia, difundiendo saberes, warns about a future of droughts more frequent, intense, and prolonged in the Patagonian region. According to specialists from the National University of Comahue, this scenario could worsen the “decline and mortality of forests,” affecting entire ecosystems.
The study, led by an interdisciplinary team of biologists and geographers, detailed how extreme droughts reduce tree growth and, if intense or prolonged, can cause partial or total death of the canopies and even adult trees, negatively impacting the forest’s vitality.
Historical examples like the 1998-1999 event in Nahuel Huapi National Park, where precipitation was only 40% of the average, show the risks of this phenomenon: a massive mortality of coihues affecting more than 20,000 hectares.
However, not everything is pessimism. Studies conducted in forests of Río Negro and Neuquén show that species like coihues, cypresses, and lengas can deploy adaptation strategies against water stress, adjusting their growth and functioning.
Adaptation Strategies and Plasticity to Face Droughts
Trees growing in dry climates develop specific characteristics that allow them to adjust to water scarcity, such as smaller leaves or lower canopies, which are key to their survival. Additionally, the adaptation capacity of these species can be influenced by both their plasticity (temporary adjustments to new conditions) and genetic differences transmitted to their offspring.
To identify these responses, the study highlights the importance of experiments like “common gardens”, where plants from different climates are cultivated under controlled conditions. These experiments help determine if the observed differences are genetic or due to environmental plasticity, crucial information for designing restoration and forest management strategies in a context of climate change.
An Opportunity for Humanity
The article concludes that, in addition to the natural adjustments of trees, human efforts in restoring and managing degraded forests could make a significant difference. Designing strategies considering both genetic characteristics and species plasticity will be key to preserving the Patagonian forests facing an uncertain climate future.
The text, developed by eight specialists, is available in the latest edition of the magazine Desde la Patagonia, difundiendo saberes, accessible online for those interested in delving deeper into the topic.
PHOTO: CRISTOBAL ESCOBAR/AGENCIAUNO</caption]
What Are the Consequences of Drought?
Drought is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is not enough rain or none at all. Its consequences can be severe for the environment and for people.
Some consequences of drought are:
- Loss of crops, livestock, and fishing
- Lack of water for human and animal consumption
- Increase in animal diseases
- Migration of animals to places with water
- Environmental contamination due to animal deaths
- Erosion and soil loss
- Degradation of water and air quality
- Landscape degradation
- Loss of income for producers, merchants, and transporters
- Increase in energy demand
Drought can be caused by lack of rainfall or by climate change.
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