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Simulating Impacts of Ice Storms on Forest Ecosystems
Published on: June 30, 2020
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Long-term climate and competition explain forest mortality patterns under extreme drought.
Derek J N Young1, Jens T Stevens2, J Mason Earles3
1Graduate Group in Ecology and Department of Plant Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
Ecology Letters
|December 22, 2016
Summary
Forests facing extreme drought and heat show increased tree mortality. Drier, denser forests are most vulnerable, helping managers identify at-risk areas.
Area of Science:
- Forest Ecology
- Climate Change Impacts
- Dendrology
Background:
- Global temperatures are rising, increasing drought stress and tree mortality worldwide.
- The specific climatic and competitive factors driving tree mortality in drought-stricken forests remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of long-term climate and tree competition on tree mortality patterns.
- To identify vulnerable forest areas during extreme drought events.
Main Methods:
- Utilized aerial mortality surveys across California's forests from 2012 to 2015.
- Analyzed the relationship between tree mortality rates and climatic water deficit (CWD) and tree basal area.
Main Results:
- Tree mortality increased significantly, by an order of magnitude, during the 4-year extreme drought.
- Mortality rates rose independently with increasing CWD and basal area.
- Areas characterized by both high CWD and high basal area exhibited disproportionately higher mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Forests in dry and densely populated areas are most susceptible to drought-induced mortality.
- Findings provide crucial data for forest managers and policymakers to identify and protect vulnerable forests.
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