Analyzing cloud base at local and regional scales to understand tropical montane cloud forest vulnerability to climate change

摘要: Abstract. The degree to which cloud immersion provides water in addition rainfall, suppresses transpiration, and sustains tropical montane forests (TMCFs) during rainless periods is not well understood. Climate land use changes represent a threat these if base altitude rises as result of regional warming or deforestation. To establish baseline for quantifying future base, we installed ceilometer at 100 m the forest upwind TMCF that occupies an range from ∼ 600 m peaks 1100 m Luquillo Mountains eastern Puerto Rico. Airport Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) data, radiosonde Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite data were obtained investigate seasonal dynamics, trade-wind inversion (TWI), typical thickness surrounding Caribbean region. Cloud rarely quantified near mountains, so results first look diurnal dynamics TMCF. From May 2013 August 2016, was lowest midsummer dry season, bases lower than mountaintops often winter season wet seasons. most frequently occurred higher elevation 600 m, 740 964 m. low altitudes six other sites by ∼ 200–600 m, highlighting importance site selection measure topographic influence on height. Proximity oceanic system where shallow cumulus clouds are seasonally invariant cover, along with local orographic lifting formation, may explain clouds. indicate climate change threats low-elevation TMCFs limited season; synoptic-scale weather patterns increase frequency drought seasons (periods base) also impact ecosystem health.