Impacts of Soil Climate on Desert Scrubs Distribution in the Mojave Desert

摘要

Based on the mean annual soil temperature collected with the Pallmann method and data on evaporation, precipitation, and the perennial plant species in 75 monitoring sites in the Mojave Desert from 1982 to 2000, we investigated the interrelationships of soil temperature and aridity on the distribution of several dominant desert scrubs in the Mojave Desert. It showed that the creosote bush-white bursage communities populated in the areas with lower elevation (<1,200 m) and higher soil temperature (>20 degrees C). The sagebrush communities were found in wetter areas with higher elevation (>1,500 m) and lower soil temperature (<18 degrees C). The blackbrush communities occupied areas between the creosote bush-white bursage communities and sagebrush communities. The distribution of yucca species is similarly affected by the soil temperature and aridity. Climate change is expected to significantly alter the distribution patterns of vegetation in Mojave Desert.