Series: Climate and Water Resource Monitoring at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Climate and water dramatically shape ecosystems, especially in arid and semi-arid places like Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Chihuahuan Desert Network monitors climate, groundwater, and springs at the park each year to detect changes that could be detrimental to park ecosystems. Climate change is an emerging stressor on springs in the American Southwest and a diverse array of plants and animals depend on these sparse water resources in the park.

  • Amistad National Recreation Area

    Article 1: Climate Monitoring at Amistad National Recreation Area

    Two rounded clouds called lenticulars that look like space ships.

    Climate is the primary driver of ecological processes on earth, affecting soil-water relationships, plant-soil interactions, plant productivity, cycling of nutrients and water in an ecosystem, and the occurrence and intensity of disturbances. The Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors climate over time at Amistad National Recreation Area to detect changes that could have cascading effects on park ecosystems. Read more

  • Amistad National Recreation Area

    Article 2: Groundwater and Reservoir Level Monitoring at Amistad National Recreation Area

    A view of the reservoir and long bridge from a plant covered cliff.

    Groundwater is one of the most critical natural resources in the American Southwest, including at Amistad National Recreation Area. It provides drinking water, irrigates crops, and sustains rivers, streams, and springs throughout the region. Groundwater interacts either directly or indirectly with all key ecosystem features of the arid Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion. The Chihuahuan Desert Network monitors groundwater at six wells on the park. Read more

  • Amistad National Recreation Area

    Article 3: Springs Monitoring at Amistad National Recreation Area

    A pool of water with algae and surrounding overflow with vegetation.

    Springs are relatively rare but ecologically important natural resources in the American Southwest. Despite their small size, springs tend to be hot spots of biodiversity in arid lands. The Chihuahuan Desert Network monitors four sentinel springs at Amistad National Recreation Area to detect broad-scale changes in aquatic and riparian ecological condition that could pose a threat to these important resources. Read more