Ecohydrological adaptation: A research and management framework for ecosystems in Australia’s drying and warming climate

Sally E. Thompson; Caitlin E. Moore; Qiaoyun Xie; Jaume Ruscadella-Alvarez; Gavan McGrath; Katinka X. Ruthrof

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.134210

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Ecohydrological adaptation: A research and management framework for ecosystems in Australia’s drying and warming climate

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Ecohydrological adaptation: A research and management framework for ecosystems in Australia’s drying and warming climate

Sally E. Thompson, Caitlin E. Moore, Qiaoyun Xie, Jaume Ruscadella-Alvarez, Gavan McGrath and Katinka X. Ruthrof

Journal of hydrology (Amsterdam), Vol.663, 134210

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.134210

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Abstract

Climate change

Ecohydrology

Management

Australia

Australia – the driest inhabited continent and the continent with the most exceptionally variable rainfall globally – is also home to a diverse range of unique and often endemic ecosystems. While globally the productivity and distribution of many ecosystems is strongly controlled by temperature, water availability is the primary driver of productivity and the distribution of most Australian ecosystems. Despite its high rainfall variability, Australia’s ecosystems display great resilience to changes in water availability. The limits of this resilience in the context of climate change are of increasing concern, as multiple extreme events in quick succession reduce opportunities for recovery. In this review, we introduce Australian ecosystems and their water use, outline drivers of changing water availability to Australian ecosystems, their likely consequences, and a hierarchy of potential management options available to slow the pace and decrease the magnitude of water-driven ecosystem and ecohydrological change. We present case studies where previous implementation of such management solutions have been applied. We conclude by identifying the ecohydrological knowledge gaps needed to equip Australia, and other nations worldwide, to implement these strategies responsibly, considering the costs and uncertainties associated with potential management measures.

Details

Title: Ecohydrological adaptation: A research and management framework for ecosystems in Australia’s drying and warming climate
Authors/Creators: Sally E. Thompson
Caitlin E. Moore
Qiaoyun Xie
Jaume Ruscadella-Alvarez
Gavan McGrath - The University of Western Australia
Katinka X. Ruthrof - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Publication Details: Journal of hydrology (Amsterdam), Vol.663, 134210
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Number of pages: 17
Identifiers: 991005818350107891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.838 Rangeland Dynamics
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Civil; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary; Water Resources
ESI research areas: Engineering