The geophysical toolbox applied to forest ecosystems - A review

Area of Science:

• Forest Ecology
• Geophysics
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Forest subsurface studies are challenging due to heterogeneity and limited access.
• Traditional ecological methods offer low spatial representativity for subsurface characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of near-surface geophysical techniques in forest ecology.
• To highlight how geophysics can provide new insights into forest subsurface properties.
• To define key areas where geophysics supports forest ecology research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on near-surface geophysics in forest ecology.
• Analysis of geophysical methods for non-destructive subsurface characterization.
• Categorization of geophysical applications into root detection, water monitoring, and spatial heterogeneity assessment.

Main Results:

• Near-surface geophysics provides non-destructive and integrative methods for characterizing forest subsurface properties.
• Geophysical techniques offer improved spatial and temporal resolution compared to traditional methods.
• Three main application areas identified: root system detection, water quantity/dynamics monitoring, and subsurface property characterization.

Conclusions:

• The use of near-surface geophysics in forest ecology is increasing.
• This multidisciplinary approach enhances quantitative assessment of forest biophysical properties.
• Geophysical insights are crucial for understanding forest response to environmental changes and climate adaptation.