UA Gets New NSF Grant Funding for Comprehensive Ecology Research

The University of Arizona has received a new $2.95 million competitively-awarded, NSF grant for a comprehensive study of the effect of monsoon weather patterns on the ecology of the Southwest. The study will integrate several diverse areas of study to give a comprehensive picture of the regions unique monsoon ecology. The grant was one of only two grants considered "outstanding" by the NSF during the application process.

The monsoon brings rains and relief during the extreme heat of the Southwest's summer. It is a major driver of the ecological systems in the region. The study will look at the effects of the monsoon on the characteristics and interactions of weather, plants and soil.

This research is different from previous studies in that it looks at the ecological system of an entire region, instead of just focusing on small areas. Russell Monson, principal investigator of the study (image courtesy of UA), called his research a "new way of practicing, and thinking about, ecology." He told UA news that it will encompass a broad and diverse ecological region "from low-elevation deserts to high-elevation spruce-fir forests." 

Monson said that he chose to focus his research on the monsoon weather pattern in part because it can be easily influenced and dramatically altered by climate change. Changes in sea surface temperature can greatly affect the extent and magnitude of the monsoon and thus indirectly effect the ecology of the entire southwestern United States.

The study will incorporate both micro level plant and soil biology as well as macro level highly sophisticated weather modeling programs. Manson hopes to use the data he collects to understand the extent to which the monsoon controls the growth and spread of invasive grass species such as cheat grass and buffelgrass, as well as the effect of the monsoon rains on the severity of the yearly wildfire cycle. The study will include analysis of tree rings to show the historical effects of monsoon patterns on regional ecology and thus provide verification for the research predictions.

This UA study constitutes one of the largest and broadest ecological research projects ever. It will provide extensive data on the complex monsoon ecosystem of the southwest, as well as the possible effects of climate change on this system. Monson's research will provide valuable analysis of one of the most complex ecosystems in the United States.

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