ABSTRACTThe response of summer precipitation in the western United States to climate variability remains a subject of uncertainty. For example, palaeoclimate records indicate the North American Monsoon (NAM) was stronger and spatially more extensive during the Holocene, whereas recent modelling sugg

It is indicated that accurate predictive models of forb and shrub biomass can frequently be easily obtained using simple linear regression and cover or volume data.

Abstract Mountainous watersheds are characterized by variability in functional traits, including vegetation, topography, geology, and geomorphology, which determine nitrogen (N) retention, and release. Coal Creek and East River are two contrasting catchments within the Upper Colorado River Basin tha

Biogeochemical processes capable of altering global carbon systems occur frequently in Earth’s Critical Zone–the area spanning from vegetation canopy to saturated bedrock–yet many of these phenomena are difficult to detect. Observation of these processes is limited by the seasonal inaccessibility of

Abstract The Black Canyon in southwestern Colorado is easily reached by passenger car from U.S. 50 (Fig. 1). Turn north 8 mi (13 km) east of Montrose, Colorado, to reach Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument in the most impressive part of the canyon. The National Monument boundary is 5 mi (

Abstract Lek disturbance buffers can be used to identify areas that provide important seasonal habitat for Gunnison sage grouse Centrocercus minimus (hereafter GUSG), a species with declining or vulnerable populations across their range. Lek disturbance buffers define areas around leks where anthrop

This paper describes the surveying, engineering, and construction operations performed in the construction of the Gunnison Tunnel for the Gunnison River Diversion Project. The Gunnison Tunnel, which diverts water from the Gunnison River to the Uncompahgre Valley, was one of the first major engineeri

Abstract Ecotourism provides an opportunity to experience nature that may promote its conservation. Ecotourists photograph wildlife, and photography plays an important role in focusing public's attention on nature. Although photography is believed to be a low‐impact activity, how the visual stimulus

Previous studies have shown that chemical cues from brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) induce relatively longer caudal filaments and heavier exoskeletons in the mayfly Drunella coloradensis. These characters constitute morphological defences that reduce larval mortality from brook trout predation.

In this study, we develop a machine-learning (ML)-enabled strategy for selecting hillslope-scale ecohydrological monitoring sites within snow-dominated mountainous watersheds, with a particular focus on snow-soil–plant interactions. Data layers rely on spatial data layers from both remote sensing an

Many plants have evolved nutrient rewards to attract pollinators to flowers, but most research has focused on the sugar content of floral nectar resources. Concentrations of sodium in floral nectar (a micronutrient in low concentrations in nectar) can vary substantially both among and within co-occu

Abstract Cloud microphysical processes are an important facet of atmospheric modeling, as they can control the initiation and rates of snowfall. Thus, parameterizations of these processes have important implications for modeling seasonal snow accumulation. We conduct experiments with the Weather Res

The carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) emissions of woodburning stoves have been measured under field conditions and the rate reductions occur because the certified stoves burn cleaner and the average burn rate of certify stoves in field use is less than the averageBurn rate of convent

Understanding the evolutionary processes that influence fitness is critical to pre- dicting species' responses to selection. Interactions among evolutionary processes including gene flow, drift and the strength of selection can lead to either local adap- tation or maladaptation, especially in hetero