Question: In ecological modeling, which parameter is most critical when estimating the evapotranspiration rate in a forested watershed impacted by climate change?

Sun, 03 May 2026 10:14:42 +0000

**In Ecological Modeling, Which Parameter Is Most Critical When Estimating Evapotranspiration in Forested Watersheds Impacted by Climate Change?** In an era where water security and climate adaptation shape environmental decisions, accurate modeling of evapotranspiration in forested watersheds is more vital than ever. As rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns reshape ecosystem dynamics, scientists increasingly recognize a single parameter as foundational: canopy resistance. This often underappreciated factor governs how effectively forests release moisture into the atmosphere—and thus plays a decisive role in modeling water loss under climate stress. Why is canopy resistance gaining such urgent attention? Forested watersheds are critical water sources across the U.S., supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture, and maintaining biodiversity. Climate change alters leaf behavior, stomatal regulation, and drought responses, making traditional assumptions about water loss unreliable. Canopy resistance—the degree to which plant surfaces limit water vapor exchange—directly links vegetation physiology to hydrological modeling outcomes. Evolving climate conditions amplify its importance, making it a key lever for accurate predictions. How does canopy resistance shape evapotranspiration estimates? At its core, evapotranspiration depends on both atmospheric demand and vegetation response—water availability meets resistance at leaf level to determine how much moisture transpires. When forests face prolonged dry periods, stomatal closure reduces transpiration to conserve water, lowering evapotranspiration rates. Climate models that fail to capture this dynamic risk underestimating water loss or mispredicting watershed stress. Forest managers and hydrologists now prioritize canopy resistance to build models that reflect real-world vulnerability and resilience.