California’s Tallest and Most Iconic Trees Are Getting Heatstroke
Redwoods adapted to a cool, foggy climate. Now a new study shows they slow down photosynthesis when their environment warms.
Coast redwoods, California's tallest and most iconic trees, are suffering from heat stress, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis. These forests, home to creatures like the wandering salamander and the marbled murrelet, are experiencing a problem that will only worsen as global temperatures continue to rise.
Leaves of these trees close their stomata during extreme heat, leading to slower photosynthesis and reduced energy storage, potentially leading to tree death. This is caused by the leaves heating up faster than the surrounding air, which makes it difficult for redwoods to cool down and release water through transpiration. In addition, fog, a crucial source of hydration and protection for redwoods, is becoming less frequent due to warmer oceans and drier air, creating a vicious cycle of reduced growth and eventual death.
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