Search results for “Rain Forests”

Himalayan forests: A dual strategy for carbon capture

New research reveals altitude-dependent carbon storage mechanisms in diverse forest ecosystems. High-altitude conifer forests excel at storing carbon in biomass, while lower-elevation mixed broadleaf forests stabilize soil carbon. Effective forest management requires altitude-specific approaches to conserve biomass and enhance soil org...

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner

Research from the University of Reading shows that cutting air pollution globally can strengthen the Indian monsoon, increasing rainfall by 0.28 millimetres a day across the country. The study found that regional action alone can have the opposite effect, reducing rainfall in parts of India.

How tall and short trees can coexist in old growth forests

Researchers found that taller trees have an advantage in younger forests due to increased light capture, but shade-tolerant species thrive under tall canopies in older forests. This study reveals a mechanistic explanation for forest succession and offers insights into climate modeling and forest management.

Airflow mystery solved at America’s Underground Lab

Researchers at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) have successfully addressed an airflow anomaly caused by heavy rain, thanks to data-driven decisions and advanced airflow sensors. By analyzing this phenomenon, they've gained valuable insights for underground operations worldwide.

Airborne observations provide clarity on where carbon is going

A new study based on global airborne surveys found that forests in the tropics take up less carbon than predicted, and models struggle to simulate carbon dioxide uptake in forests north and south of the tropics. Regular airborne missions could narrow uncertainty further.

Bringing back the world’s underwater forests starts with communities

Global review of kelp conservation found strongest restoration programs built on unlikely partnerships. Communities have a direct stake in outcome for kelp forests to thrive.

Carbon markets underestimate the risks U.S. forests face from climate change

Research reveals US forests face significant risk of carbon loss due to wildfires, droughts, and insects. Current carbon-credit systems fail to account for these risks, but the study provides a solution by proposing larger buffer pools to mitigate losses.

Carbon markets underestimate the risks U.S. forests face from climate change

A study finds that US forests are at risk of releasing stored carbon due to droughts, pests, and fires exacerbated by climate change. The researchers recommend increasing buffer pools in carbon-credit systems to account for these risks.

Storms, dryness accelerate Amazonian forests' biomass turnover

How trees in urban areas are key to cooling down a warmer world

A study by Ohio State University found that certain tree species, such as red maple and northern catalpa, are more resilient to heat and water stress. Urban forests can provide natural cooling, reducing summer electricity usage, but require careful management and investment in irrigation systems.

Carbon credits have enabled vital protection of tropical forests, despite being oversold tenfold

A major analysis found that four in five REDD+ projects successfully protected forests. Many projects have slowed deforestation despite over-crediting; 'bad credits' do not necessarily mean bad projects.

Wildfire-driven deforestation rates in California among highest in world

A study by University of California, Davis found that California's conifer forests have lost between 6% and 11% of their area over the past three decades due to wildfires. Reforestation efforts are not keeping pace with the losses, with only about 1% of deforested Forest Service lands being replanted between 2016 and 2023.

Plants can sense the sound of rain, a new study finds

MIT researchers found plants respond to sound waves generated by raindrops, stimulating germination. Seeds exposed to rain sounds germinated 30-40% faster than those not exposed.

Smarter forest practices could help protect B.C. forests from wildfire and climate stress, new research suggests

A new book by Dr. Suzanne Simard outlines a different approach to forest stewardship, emphasizing the importance of retaining mature trees and protecting soils, biodiversity, and underground fungal networks. The research shows that intact and lightly harvested forests store more carbon and support stronger recovery over time.

Hurricane-resilient coastal forests in the Northeastern U.S. may be nearing their limits

Researchers found a significant reduction in tree-ring growth after major hurricanes, but these trees can recover quickly within two years. Coastal forests in the Northeastern US are vulnerable to sea-level rise and stand dead or dying trees, posing a threat to densely populated communities.

Tropical trees are more neighborly

A new study reveals that tropical trees have more positive interactions with their neighbors, leading to increased diversity and richness in these ecosystems. This finding may help explain why tropical forests are home to so many tree species.

Scientists reveal how regional species pools shape tree diversity and rarity in subtropical and tropical forests

A large regional species pool, driven by favorable climates, varied habitats, and stable historical climates, supports both high diversity and many rare trees. Forests with larger species pools require prioritized protection to preserve forest diversity and save rare and endemic species from human disturbance.

Soundscapes from nearby forests are more uplifting than those from faraway places

Experiment with 195 students in Germany found that local forest soundscapes had stronger positive effects on mental wellbeing, especially when participants felt familiar with the sounds. The study revealed that perceived animal diversity and familiarity played a significant role in triggering feelings of awe and restoration.

Young forest owners in Finland find themselves having to compromise their values

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that young translocal forest owners in Finland often compromise on their values due to financial incentives and limited information on alternative methods. Sentimental value was identified as a key factor, with forests holding emotional significance for many owners.

Biochar helps forests fight acid rain by restoring vital soil nitrogen

A new field study reveals that biochar can significantly restore soil health and nitrogen availability in forests affected by acid rain. Biochar triggers major biological changes in the soil, enhancing microbial biomass and increasing nitrogen use efficiency.

‘Ghost forests’ could be key to understanding coastal resilience to climate change

Researchers studying ghost forests along the mid-Atlantic coastline found that changes in stemflow chemistry affect carbon cycling and microbial communities. The team's findings suggest that understanding these processes can help predict which forests are most vulnerable to sea level rise.

The power of old forests: Study in Sweden finds they store far more carbon

A new study in Sweden reveals that primary forests store up to 72% more carbon than managed secondary forests. Soils account for the largest carbon store and convertion may have a greater climate impact than previously thought.

A ‘shocking’ carbon discovery in Sweden’s forests

A new study reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 72% more carbon per acre than managed forests, with a significant gap due to soil losses. Restoring primary forests could keep nearly 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Old-growth forests store a lot more carbon than managed forests

A new study from Lund University reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 78-89% more carbon than managed forests, mainly due to large carbon stocks in the soil. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation and forest management.

Study reveals forest degradation alters ecological role of scavengers in tropical forests

A study monitored 60 carcasses in tropical dry forests, finding that better-preserved forests host more diverse scavenger communities with up to 11 species detected. In contrast, degraded environments have simplified communities dominated by opportunistic species, leading to faster carcass consumption.

Lasers and drones assess health of world forests and help track climate change

A pilot initiative led by University College London is using highly detailed 3D scans to estimate tree structure, volume, and stored carbon in tropical rainforests. This data helps scientists better understand how much biomass forests contain, essential for tracking climate change.

UBC researchers say scientists have underestimated forests’ ability to prevent major floods

Researchers from the University of British Columbia argue that forests can alter the frequency and probability of floods, including major events. They call for a shift in how flood impacts are evaluated, moving away from single event comparisons and toward assessing how forests affect flood risk over time.

Tropical forests generate rainfall worth billions, study finds

A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.

How forest conversion can harm dung beetles

A study found that forest conversion harm dung beetles by increasing temperatures and drying out the ground, making it hostile for them. The key species, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, is particularly affected, with its population declining as temperatures rise.

When too much of a good thing becomes dangerous

Global study finds that nitrogen pollution causes forests to follow two distinct patterns in response to added nutrients, with some experiencing a boost and others collapsing. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen levels to stabilize forest soil carbon pools and maintain natural respiration rhythms.

Climate benefits of tree planting could be reduced by soil carbon loss, Stirling professor warns

A University of Stirling professor has warned that tree-planting may not be as effective at reducing climate change as previously assumed due to potential soil carbon losses. The study found that deep soils in forests may lose more carbon over time than expected, which could reduce the net climate benefits of tree planting.

Where fires used to be frequent, old forests now face high risk of devastating blazes

The study highlights the impact of fire exclusion on mature and old-growth forests, which are culturally, economically, and ecologically significant. Researchers estimate that fire refugia could reduce the overall risk of severe fire by up to 20% in western Oregon, Washington, and California.

Fast-growing trees are taking over the forests of the future and putting biodiversity and climate resilience under pressure

The world's forests are becoming homogenized, with fast-growing tree species dominating landscapes. Biodiversity is declining as slow-growing, specialized species disappear, compromising ecosystem stability and carbon storage. Active ecosystem management is essential to halt the loss of these threatened species.

Forty years of tracking trees reveals how global change is impacting Amazon and Andean Forest diversity

Research reveals significant shifts in tree diversity among tropical forests driven by global change, with some areas experiencing declines in species richness while others gain species.

US forests are locking in major carbon emissions

A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.

Increased deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests

Research found that deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests, storing more carbon above ground and releasing less in deep organic soils. This shift could help slow climate warming by reducing carbon emissions per unit area burned.

Recovering tropical forests grow back nearly twice as fast with nitrogen

A new study reveals that tropical forests can regrow up to 95% faster when given sufficient nitrogen, allowing them to absorb more carbon dioxide. This finding suggests that targeting nitrogen pollution from farms and factories may be crucial in helping young forests recover and act as natural climate solutions.

AI river forecasts may be accurate—but based on flawed logic

A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.

New Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation funding initiative boosts research at University of Freiburg on adaptation of forests to global change

The Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation is funding a new tenure track endowed professorship for silviculture and climate change adaptation, an international research laboratory, and an incubator fund. The initiative aims to adapt forests to global change while securing their ecological and social functions.

China's urban forests: Growing carbon pool

China's urban forests have grown significantly since 2010, increasing by 16.07 × 10^4 km² and storing up to 522.7 Tg C by 2060. The carbon sequestration rate peaked in 2015-2020, with a range of 1.92-22.8 Tg C/year.

Scientists call for urgent measures to protect underwater forests in a new global “Marine Animal Forests Manifesto”

Marine Animal Forests are complex habitats that provide essential ecological services, including biodiversity hotspots, nursery areas, and carbon cycling. Scientists urge immediate action to protect these ecosystems from destructive fishing practices, pollution, and climate change.

Africa’s forests have switched from absorbing to emitting carbon, new study finds

A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that Africa's forests have switched from absorbing to emitting carbon, with approximately 106 billion kilograms lost per year between 2010 and 2017. This alarming shift underscores the urgent need for stronger global action to protect forests.

Hidden dangers in 'acid rain' soils

A new study found that acid rain can destabilize soil microbiomes, making it easier for disease-causing microbes like E. coli O157:H7 to invade and persist. The researchers discovered that acid rain accelerates the evolution of high-risk pathogens, which can lead to severe foodborne illness and increased mortality rates in animals.

New study looks at (rainforest) tea leaves to predict fate of tropical forests

Researchers found that tropical forests may be less sensitive to climate change than thought. They discovered that dead leaves cool nearby leaves by reflecting more sun energy, reducing heat buildup.

Human impact on Amazon forests is transforming its ecological functions and evolutionary history

A new study reveals that human disturbances, such as logging and wildfires, are profoundly impacting the Amazon rainforest's ecological functions and evolutionary history. The researchers found that even sustainable management practices, like selective logging, have significant negative impacts on tree diversity.

Enhancing ocean wind observation accuracy: New rain correction approach for FY-3E WindRAD

A new rain correction approach using dual-frequency measurements from the WindRAD instrument aboard the FY-3E satellite significantly improves wind measurement accuracy during moderate rainfall. The method reduces wind speed root-mean-square errors by approximately 0.2 m s−1 and wind direction errors by about 1.6°.

Global call to “Help the Kelp” with US $14 billion conservation target

An international team is calling for a US $14 billion investment to protect and restore one million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. The funding would help achieve the Kelp Forest Challenge, a global mission to conserve and restore three million hectares of kelp forests, which fringe nearly a third of the world's coastlines.

Forests recovering from acid rain mine rocks for nutrients, leading to less acidic streams and more acid-sensitive soils

A long-term study in the White Mountains of New Hampshire found that recovering forests are using roots to mine minerals for nutrients, leading to improved stream pH but depleted soil fertility. This process enhances mineral weathering, which can make forests more vulnerable to future pollution.

Forests contribute to Finns’ perceived happiness in multiple ways

Research from the University of Eastern Finland identifies three dimensions of Forest Happiness: a bond with natural-like forests, happiness from activities like berry picking, and forest management. The study found that damage to forests, such as clearcutting and biodiversity loss, negatively impacts perceived happiness.

Securing biodiversity requires better forest management

Research at the University of Jyväskylä found that intensive forest management leads to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity in Finland. Harvesting still occurs in forests with high biodiversity values, highlighting the need for better protection.

Solar rain mystery cracked by researchers

Scientists at University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy have discovered a new explanation for the formation of solar rain in the Sun's corona. By allowing elemental abundances to change over time, their models finally match observed phenomena, providing fresh insights into coronal heating and the Sun's behavior during flares.

Diversity in forest management promotes biodiversity

Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.

Tiny but mighty: Groundbreaking study reveals mosses are secret carbon heroes in subtropical forests

A groundbreaking study found that mosses, often overlooked as mere background scenery, play a crucial role in storing carbon and stabilizing soil in subtropical forests. By including bryophytes in ecosystem assessments, scientists can identify cost-effective, nature-based solutions for climate change.

Mixing tree species does not always make forests more drought-resilient

A new international study shows that increasing tree species diversity does not necessarily make forests more resilient to prolonged droughts. The study found that the effects of diversity on tree growth can shift from beneficial to negative as droughts drag on, with some mixes even strengthening forest stress and competition for water.

Kelp forests are connected to local beach ecosystems

Researchers found that kelp forests support nearby beaches with high biodiversity due to nutrient subsidies. The connectivity between kelp and beach ecosystems is a local process, with the strongest benefit within 10 kilometers of kelp forests.

NEW STUDY: Across eight Amazon countries, forests on Indigenous lands reduce spread of 27 diseases – From respiratory ailments to illnesses spread by insects, animals

Research reveals that municipalities near healthy forests face lower risk from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, found that Indigenous forests bring health benefits to millions and can prevent millions of cases of respiratory and cardiovascular infections each...

New study shows proactive forest management reduces high severity wildfire by 88% and stabilizes carbon during extreme droughts

A new study found that proactive forest management can significantly reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires by 88% and stabilize carbon stocks. The research analyzed over 200 fuel reduction projects in California's Central Sierra and found that treated forests stored carbon more durably, even after extreme droughts.

Desert poplar study advances carbon and conservation insights

A new study has developed advanced, non-destructive models to measure the aboveground biomass and volume of Populus euphratica, a keystone tree in desert riparian forests. These models reduce errors by nearly half compared to traditional equations, providing new tools for forest conservation and carbon storage assessment.

Heat-stressed Australian forests are thinning fast, producing carbon emissions

Heat-stressed Australian mountain ash forests are losing a quarter of their trees by 2080 due to global warming. The natural thinning response to temperature stress may decline large-scale tree-planting initiatives to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

Forest disturbances are reshaping the world’s carbon balance

A new high-resolution global forest age dataset has revealed that forests are ageing naturally at a slower rate than before, while disturbances such as wildfires and deforestation are causing younger stands to rapidly grow. This study highlights the pivotal role forests play in regulating the Earth's climate.