Combined with other changes, plants under increased UV-B ended up with a small increase in yield and an important increase in harvest index. Sci., Lehigh Univ. Increases in incident UV-B radiation is potentially important in aquatic ecosystems because of the high sensitivity of living organisms, but research to date has focused largely on marine ecosystems in Antarctica. This review addresses the potential role of UV-B radiation in fresh waters by taking into account some of the information available in marine systems and applying recent advances in our understanding of the ecology of fresh waters. The overriding conclusion is the potential for complex rather than simple responses in freshwater ecosystems.
Responses are also likely to be related to other important environmental changes.
Examines how forest canopies transmit UV-B through different levels, at different times of day and in different seasons, using primarily measurements made in a Maryland forest. Combines this information with an existing model of atmospheric transmission of UV-B to estimate present and future exposures assuming a decline in stratospheric ozone. The greatest increases in exposure should appear in the upper canopy in summer, and in the lower canopy in spring. Whether or not increased UV-B leads to environmental catastrophe, it seems quite possible that it could change entire communities. Inc. For more information on Global Change contact the Editorial Office.