The impact of climate change on patterns of zoogeomorphological influence: Examples from the Rocky Mountains of the Western U.S.A.

Many animals in the mountains of the western U.S.A. and elsewhere are geomorphically active. The spatial pattern and intensity of these impacts, associated with activities such as digging for food, burrowing for shelter, and damming of streams, may change as a result of climate change. Food sources utilized will be affected by processes such as meadow infilling with trees, upward advancement of trees, and changes in intensity of other geomorphic processes such as avalanching and glacial action and associated meltwater. Examples are presented here that illustrate the importance of accurate habitat mapping to be able to assess the impact of climate change on geomorphically active animals, as well as the importance of knowledge of food sources of these animals. As climate change impacts food sources and habitats, some geomorphically active animals may become much more limited in the geographic range and intensity of their influence, and some may disappear altogether if the habitat disappears.

► Climate change affects zoogeomorphic distribution and intensity of animal activities. ► Accurate habitat maps needed to assess how climate change influences animal impacts. ► Knowledge of food sources is also critical. ► Climate change may cause geomorphic influences of some animals to diminish/disappear.