Drought Resilience

Climate-driven forest disturbances, particularly drought-induced tree mortality and large high-severity fires from increasingly warm and dry conditions, are altering forest ecosystems and the ecosystem services society depends on (e.g., water supplies) in the Southern Rockies and across the Western U.S. We will combine unique, long-term place-based ecological data, diverse methods (e.g., paleo...

Drought is a prolonged and widespread deficit in available water supplies that creates multiple stressors across ecosystems and communities. The U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area conducts drought research and modeling to improve drought prediction capabilities. The research focus is on understanding the hydrological, ecological, and economic ramifications of drought. The modeling focus...

Improper land use during drought has been a major driver of land degradation in drylands globally, especially in the western U.S. Increasing aridity in western U.S. drylands under future climates will exacerbate risks associated with drought and land use decisions. This project provides critical observational, experimental, and modelling evidence to support our DOI partners with decision processes...

USGS scientists work extensively with partners to collect and disseminate scientific and statistically reliable biological and ecological data to address drought-related scientific and management questions. Ecosystem scientists use this information and innovative technologies to synthesize, analyze, and model drought processes and biological responses to better understand the causes and associated...

USGS researchers are studying how forests respond to disturbance and drought and evaluating how forests may respond to future climate variability.

Drought can have long-term impacts on soils and agricultural production. USGS researchers are finding new ways to monitor and adapt soils to help managers adapt to drough and future climate change.

Drought poses a serious threat to the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the United States. Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme drought conditions, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency, severity, and duration of droughts are expected to increase across...