Impacts Of Global Change On Tree Physiology And... May 2026

Extreme weather events significantly alter how trees manage water, often pushing them beyond their physiological limits.

: During severe drought, excessive water tension in the xylem can cause "cavitation" (air bubbles), blocking water transport from roots to leaves and leading to tree death. Impacts of Global Change on Tree Physiology and...

Global change impacts tree physiology and forest ecosystems primarily by disrupting water and carbon cycles, leading to widespread physiological stress and altered growth patterns . While rising CO2cap C cap O sub 2 Extreme weather events significantly alter how trees manage

can initially act as a fertilizer, increasing photosynthesis and water-use efficiency (WUE), these benefits are often offset by extreme temperatures and drought, which can trigger "carbon starvation" and hydraulic failure. 1. Disruptions to Water Relations While rising CO2cap C cap O sub 2

: Trees close their stomata to prevent water loss; however, this eliminates transpirational cooling, causing leaf temperatures to rise and potentially leading to cellular heat damage.