34. Arid Australia

First meeting was held 17-19 October 2007 at CSIRO, Alice Springs

PARTICIPANTS Mark Stafford Smith, CSIRO [Leader] Steve Morton, CSIRO [Leader] Chris Dickman, University of Sydney Marg Friedel, CSIRO Craig James, CSIRO Mike Smith, National Museum of Australia David Dunkerley, Monash University Ryan McAlliser, CSIRO David Roshier, Charles Sturt University Julian Reid, ANU/CSIRO Fiona Walsh, CSIRO/UWA Glenda Wardle, University of Sydney Ian Watson, Agriculture WA Mark Westoby, Macquarie University Faye Alexander, Working Group Administrator, Alice Springs

Oct 07>

GOAL
The 1990 paper by Stafford Smith and Morton raised a specific set of hypothesized propositions about arid zone functioning here in Australia.  These propositions varied from virtually obvious to potentially contentious.  The paper has been relatively highly cited since that time, in some cases with deliberate attempts to test some of the assertions.  So, 20 years after it was first drafted, it is due for a critical re-visit.  To what extent has the developing evidence since that time over-turned, confirmed or extended those propositions, and were there issues that were completely missed?

This targeted question can contribute to a broader narrative about Australian landscapes and ecosystems. Are they indeed characteristically low-energy and low-nutrient and with less predictable rainfall compared to other continents? What does this mean for how we interpret the Australian flora and fauna, and for how humans can make a living in Australia?

The objective is to review the propositions in Stafford Smith and Morton (1990) in light of literature published since that time.

The workshop produced substantial written material that will contribute towards this objective. The participants have agreed as follows.
(a) To prepare a fresh version of a framework for the ecology of arid Australia (first draft by 11 February 2008, and full draft by 31 May 2008, with responsibility in the hands of the senior author, Steve Morton).
(b) To consider preparing a further manuscript that outlines aspects of desert ecology globally which differ from patterns evident in Australia (a decision will be reached on this after preparation of the first draft of the fresh framework).

Stafford Smith, D. M. & Morton, S. R. (1990) A framework for the ecology of arid Australia. Journal of Arid Environments, 18, 255-278.

Last updated March 2008