Scott Ferrenberg and Sasha Reed, EBIO alumni, have published the findings of a 15-year experiment in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This study focused on biocrusts, and how increased precipitation and increased temperature cause these crusts to degrade and die. They also examined the difference between this kind of destruction and the type of destruction that takes place from human presence, mainly the trampling of the crust. After collecting these data, they discuss what the implications of the degredation of biocrusts are for the southwest United States, as well as other desert areas. To see the full article, published in the Colorado Arts and Science Magazine, click here.
