Forty-eight-year climatology of air temperature and precipitation changes in Xilinhot, Xilingol steppe (Inner Mongolia), China

Abstract

The Xilingol steppe, located in Inner Mongolia, northern China, is a natural grassland well known for producing high‐quality feed for grazing animals. Our regression analysis using the meteorological data recorded at the Xilingol Meteorological Observatory from 1953 to 2000 (48 years) indicated that the annual mean temperature rose by 2.66°C during 50 years from 1953, while the mean temperature during the plant growing season (April–October) rose by 2.10°C during the same period. These temperature rises at the Xilinhot Observatory are more than twice that found in other regions of China. In the same 48‐year period, no significant changes in annual precipitation amounts were noted; however, the annual precipitation days significantly decreased. We must clarify the factors causing climate change in this region and how such change will impact future productivity and biodiversity in this semiarid grassland.

Aboveground net primary productivity not CO2 exchange remain stable under three timing of extreme drought in a semi-arid steppe

“…Another primary reason may be attributed to the high ecosystem resistance in this steppe. The steppe experienced chronic fluctuations under the climate change, especially in precipitation patterns with a decreasing tendency [ 2 , 3 ]. The plants had adapted to these changes and have applied relevant strategies to respond to these fluctuations and stresses.…”

“…General atmospheric circulation models predict changes in precipitation patterns, for anthropogenic activity increase atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and temperature [ 1 – 3 ]. These changes may lead to more severe or more frequent extreme drought events in the future, at both local and global regions [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Livestock‐exclusion duration required for restoring grassland in semiarid, loess region in China: Estimate based on species composition measured from small‐scale vegetation patterns

“…In years with average amounts of rainfall, grasslands in the arid and semiarid regions are able to endure heavier grazing intensity than they were before the 1980s. However, healthy grasslands cannot be maintained under very high grazing intensity in areas where there are severe droughts (e.g., when annual precipitation <100 mm) and high temperatures, which usually happens once in a decade (Yiruhan, Ailikun, Ma, & Shiyomi, 2011). This is because even the underground parts of plants experiences heavy damage, in addition to the aboveground parts of the plants.…”