In Albatera, a break in the otherwise moderate trend is detected between 1995 and 1997. According to »Historical evolution of dryland ecosystems > Albatera, Spain there was no significant disturbances in the timeline during that time. Nevertheless, the period coincides well with the second most prolonged drought in the area after 1982 . Therefore it is possible that the driver of change in the area is connected to climate and predominantly precipitation and water deficit. The data shows that winters and summers have become more pronounced after 1997, following milder transitions before 1994. This change may signify a transition from a system with constant water availability to one that is seasonally stressed.

Note: For an overview of the historical drivers of change and their analysis in all study sites see »Drivers of change in the study sites.