Rebecca Finger-Higgens is an ecologist with the Southwest Biological Science Center whose work explores landscape legacies and climate change impacts on dryland and Arctic ecosystems.
Rebecca's research focuses on ecosystem stability, resiliency, and thresholds in the face of climate change and land use practices. Her research explores how water and nutrient dynamics shape ecosystems, from the plot to landscape scale across the boreal forest, arctic tundra, and now the drylands of the Southwest. Currently, Rebecca's work explores how long-term observational records and drought and climate manipulations from across the southwestern US impact terrestrial dryland ecosystems.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution, Environments and Society, Dartmouth College 2020
M.S. Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks 2015
B.S. Environmental Science, George Washington University 2006
Science and Products
Biocrust cover, vegetation, and climate data across 23 years (1996-2019) from a protected grassland within Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Diminishing Arctic lakes
Decline in biological soil crust N-fixing lichens linked to increasing summertime temperatures
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Drylands are highly vulnerable to climate and land use changes: what ecosystem changes are in store?
Long-Term Vegetation Change on the Colorado Plateau
Science and Products
- Data
Biocrust cover, vegetation, and climate data across 23 years (1996-2019) from a protected grassland within Canyonlands National Park, Utah
These tabular data were compiled for/to monitor vegetation and biocrust cover in a never grazed grassland located in Canyonlands National Park. An objective, or objectives, of our study was to document potential changes in biocrust and vegetation cover and species composition as related to changes in land use and climate change. These data represent a timeseries of long-term vegetation and biocrus - Publications
Diminishing Arctic lakes
The Arctic is home to the largest surface water fraction of any terrestrial biome, containing thousands of low-lying lakes. Now, it appears that some Arctic lakes are drying due to rising air temperatures and autumn rains, causing permafrost to thaw and water bodies to drain.Decline in biological soil crust N-fixing lichens linked to increasing summertime temperatures
Across many global drylands, biocrusts form a protective barrier on the soil surface and fill many critical roles in these harsh yet fragile environments. Previous short-term research suggests that climate change and invasive plant introduction can damage and alter biocrust communities, yet few long-term observations exist. Using a globally unique long-term record of continuous biocrust surveys frNon-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- News
- Science
Drylands are highly vulnerable to climate and land use changes: what ecosystem changes are in store?
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...Long-Term Vegetation Change on the Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau, centered around the four corners area of the Southwest, and includes much of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, is a large and important component of U.S. drylands. This important home to mountains, desert basins, dramatic canyons, and arid woodlands and grasslands is also one of North America’s most rapidly warming hot spots, with rates of warming of up to 2-3° C...