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Leaf Area Index Estimation Using Three Distinct Methods in Pure Deciduous Stands
Published on: August 29, 2019
Observational evidence for cloud cover enhancement over western European forests
Adriaan J Teuling1, Christopher M Taylor2,3, Jan Fokke Meirink4
1Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University &Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a (Lumen Building), 6708PA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Forests impact regional hydrology and climate directly by regulating water and heat fluxes. Indirect effects through cloud formation and precipitation can be important in facilitating continental-scale moisture recycling but are poorly understood at regional scales. In particular, the impact of temperate forest on clouds is largely unknown. Here we provide observational evidence for a strong increase in cloud cover over large forest regions in western Europe based on analysis of 10 years of 15 min resolution data from geostationary satellites. In addition, we show that widespread windthrow by cyclone Klaus in the Landes forest led to a significant decrease in local cloud cover in subsequent years. Strong cloud development along the downwind edges of larger forest areas are consistent with a forest-breeze mesoscale circulation. Our results highlight the need to include impacts on cloud formation when evaluating the water and climate services of temperate forests, in particular around densely populated areas.
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