Increased response of vegetation to soil moisture in the northern hemisphere drylands

Vegetation plays a significant role in terrestrial ecosystems due to its strong carbon absorption capability and multiple feedback effects on the climate system. The soil moisture availability determines vegetation growth, especially drylands. Although there has been increasing interest issues such as vegetation’s response specific variable, it remains unclear how can quantitatively influence In this study, we investigated increased of identified key mechanism northern hemisphere drylands (NHD) from 1982 2010. Methods included use Lindeman-Merenda-Gold method. results showed that sensitivity dynamics significantly over past 29 years (slope = 0.008, p < 0.0001), trend during 1996–2007 0.025 m 3 /m /yr, 0.0001) more rapidly than 1984–1995 −0.005 0.0143), which indicates water restrictions recent years. Further analysis atmospheric CO 2 was major contributor (27.2%) changes, followed by change (27%), nitrogen deposition (19%). changes ecosystem structure (represented non-tree cover areas) vacillation contributed similarly (14% 12%). These findings help with understanding spatiotemporal impact NHD related influencing mechanisms growth greening warming NHD.