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Decreasing rainfall frequency contributes to earlier leaf onset in northern ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Jian Wang

    (The Ohio State University)

  • Desheng Liu

    (The Ohio State University)

  • Philippe Ciais

    (Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement, IPSL-LSCE CEA CNRS UVSQ)

  • Josep Peñuelas

    (CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra
    CREAF, Cerdanyola del Valles)

Abstract

Climate change substantially advances the leaf onset date (LOD) and regulates carbon uptake by plants. Unlike temperature, the effect of precipitation remains largely elusive. Here we use carbon-flux measurements, in situ records of leaf unfolding and satellite greenness observations to examine the role of precipitation frequency (Pfreq, number of rainy days) in controlling the LOD in northern ecosystems (>30° N). Widespread decreases in Pfreq during the past three decades positively contributed to the advance in LOD, possibly due to increased exposure to radiation, exhibiting a dominant control of LOD over ~10% of the area. Lower Pfreq may also enhance chilling at night and warming at daytime, consequently leading to earlier LOD. We further develop a weighted precipitation growing-degree-day algorithm that projected a generally earlier LOD than currently predicted. These results highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of precipitation on LOD, which is necessary for improved projections.

Suggested Citation

  • Jian Wang & Desheng Liu & Philippe Ciais & Josep Peñuelas, 2022. "Decreasing rainfall frequency contributes to earlier leaf onset in northern ecosystems," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 12(4), pages 386-392, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:12:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1038_s41558-022-01285-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-022-01285-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Xinyi Zhang & Xiaoyue Wang & Constantin M. Zohner & Josep Peñuelas & Yang Li & Xiuchen Wu & Yao Zhang & Huiying Liu & Pengju Shen & Xiaoxu Jia & Wenbin Liu & Dashuan Tian & Prajal Pradhan & Adandé Bel, 2025. "Declining precipitation frequency may drive earlier leaf senescence by intensifying drought stress and enhancing drought acclimation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.

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