by Playfuls Staff |
25th April 2007
U.S. scientists have determined increased levels of ozone associated with the release of greenhouse gases are [more] causing vegetation to use more water.
The research conducted by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory found increased levels of greenhouse gases might intensify the effects of global warming on ecological systems.
Researchers Sandy McLaughlin of the University of Tennessee and Stan Wullschleger of ORNl studied of trees in the mountains of East Tennessee. They found current levels of ozone amplified the effects of climate stresses on large tree growth, transfer of water from soil to the atmosphere and rates of stream flow from forested watersheds.
The mechanism for those effects, implicated by several studies, is plants' reduced capacity to regulate water loss through stomata -- the breathing pores in leaves.
Researchers cautioned, however, further tests are necessary involving additional forest types and climatic systems.
The study is reported in the journal New Phytologist.
© 2007 UPI
