Articles tagged with Forests
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that irrigated farms in the region lower maximum temperatures by one to three degrees Fahrenheit on average, while increasing minimum temperatures up to four degrees. This cooling effect can significantly impact local climate, plant growth, and human health.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that California's Sierra Nevada mountain range experienced a catastrophic forest die-off due to depleted deep-soil water. The researchers discovered that years of severe drought and abnormally warm temperatures exceeded the safety margin for trees, leading to widespread tree death.
New research finds that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense spruce beetle outbreaks in the Rocky Mountains. Warmer temperatures could extend the beetle's flight period and make coordinated attacks harder to predict.
Researchers found that coastal, indigenous forests in South Africa store a moderate to large amount of carbon, making them important for conservation. The study also highlights the need to balance forest productivity with local community needs in order to achieve sustainable development.
Researchers argue that policymakers should use disturbance ecology to stabilize forest carbon and account for risks in climate change mitigation policies. This approach aims to balance immediate loss with long-term storage, promoting forest carbon sequestration.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.
A new review article highlights the vulnerability of rural coastlines to sea-level rise, with research showing widespread conversion of upland forests to wetlands. The study emphasizes the need for better understanding of factors influencing land conversion, including human barriers and policy incentives.
A recent study suggests that Native Americans' use of fire to manage vegetation in the Eastern United States had a more profound impact on forest composition than climate change. The researchers found that frequent and widespread human-caused fire resulted in the predominance of fire-adapted tree species, leading to changes in forest c...
Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have discovered a quick and effective method for identifying Gypsy Moth caterpillars' sex. This breakthrough could lead to new ways to control the insect population, allowing forests to thrive once again.
A recent study found that Yellowstone's re-burned forests have a six-fold decline in lodgepole pine tree seedlings and lost significant carbon storage capacity after experiencing two consecutive fires within fewer than 30 years. The researchers estimate it would take over 150 years for the forest to recover its lost carbon.
Researchers found that re-burned areas experienced significant biomass loss and a six-fold decrease in tree seedling density. The study suggests that future short fire intervals may adversely affect the resilience of subalpine forests, threatening their ability to recover from previous fires.
Researchers mapped over 1.1 million forest sites and 28,000 tree species to understand how symbiotic partnerships structure the world's forests. The study revealed a new biological rule, Read's Rule, which predicts massive changes to the symbiotic state of the world's forests if carbon emissions continue unabated.
Researchers found that ghost forests supported a different group of bird species than the forests they replaced. Some bird species, like the northern bobwhite quail and woodpeckers, fared well with the changes in vegetation.
Researchers found positive correlations between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in ten of twelve landscapes, indicating a shared benefit. The study suggests that increasing biodiversity can also increase carbon storage, highlighting the interconnectedness of these two goals.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that nature reserves close to cities are more effective at preventing deforestation than remote areas. The study evaluated China's protected areas and concluded that these reserves can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat global deforestation.
Urban trees exhibit accelerated growth but higher mortality rates than rural counterparts, resulting in a net loss of street-tree carbon storage over time. Strategic planting and maintenance initiatives can help maximize urban greening efforts as a climate-mitigation tool.
Michigan State University researchers have created a potential solution for emerging wearable tech by developing highly stretchable supercapacitors powered by crumpled carbon nanotube forests. The new design has demonstrated solid performance and stability, even under extreme stretching and relaxing cycles.
Research suggests that large protected forest areas are crucial for conserving bird species, while coffee plantations can serve as habitats for migratory birds and young birds. Insectivores suffered the greatest declines, with population losses greater in smaller forest fragments.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have sequenced the Holm oak transcriptome, providing insights into the tree's reactions to stress and other biological aspects. The study has generated over 34,000 annotated transcriptions, offering a first approximation of the genome and potential for future research projects.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that counties with more forests and shrublands tend to have lower Medicare costs. The analysis revealed an average Medicare expenditure savings of $4.32 per person per year for each 1 percent of forest cover.
A new residential wood ash program aims to replenish Muskoka's declining calcium levels, essential for forest growth and life. The program could also improve crayfish stock, water quality, and maple syrup production.
A recent study found that groundwater extraction is harming floodplain forests in Europe by reducing tree growth and increasing drought sensitivity. The research suggests that adapting to climate change requires reducing groundwater extraction, not increasing it, to protect these critical ecosystems.
A study by the USDA Forest Service reveals that more nitrogen from rain and snow reaches streams than previously believed, flowing downstream at a faster rate through US and Canadian forests. This unprocessed nitrate bypasses biological filters, contributing to forest decline and growth of nuisance vegetation.
A University of Montana study found that climate change limits tree regeneration following wildfires in low-elevation forests, potentially leading to abrupt forest loss. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined post-fire regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees.
A recent study by University of Wyoming researcher Bryan Shuman found connections between Atlantic Ocean changes, centuries-long droughts, and forest transformations over the past 8,000 years. The study's predictability framework helps anticipate future climate-driven weather and ecosystem shifts.
A study found that climate change and wildfires can lead to abrupt loss of low-elevation forests due to reduced tree regeneration after disturbances. Annual climate conditions now cross critical thresholds at most study sites, making it challenging for trees to regenerate.
Research in Ethiopian sacred church forests reveals that human disturbances, such as buildings and clearings, significantly reduce forest density and species richness. Culturally sensitive conservation strategies are recommended to protect these forests, including restorative planting and protection of large trees.
A new study shows tree rings offer a unique perspective on climate change, matching high-tech data over short-term periods. The method reveals strong agreement between trees' own productivity estimates and satellite-derived data.
Researchers found that tree growth is constrained more by climate than competition for resources in harsh conditions, but not under mild conditions. The study provides important insights into how forest growth will respond to changing climate and could inform land management strategies.
A University of Illinois study using machine learning confirms that farmer cooperatives directly benefit both forest health and farmers, unlike state-managed forests. The algorithm evaluated over 200 forest management regions in Kangra, India, covering a 14-year period.
A new approach using environmental big data helps identify effective conservation methods for managing natural capital, including forests and ponds. The study shows that measures to reduce chemicals used by farmers will be particularly effective in protecting freshwater environments in northern Britain.
The study finds that vegetation in the region will shift from predominantly conifer to mixed conifer and hardwood forests, potentially leading to reduced timber availability and changed fresh water supplies. Climate-driven stress may also increase disease and pest susceptibility in these forests.
A new open-access book presents two years of research on how to best tackle climate change, funded by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The book provides a feasible roadmap for achieving and surpassing the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement, indicating that goals are achievable with current technology.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to declines of underwater kelp forests, impacting fisheries and potentially affecting food security. The research found that ocean warming and acidification can cause disease-like symptoms in kelp, leading to degradation and photosynthesis impairment.
Russian scientists discovered that abandoned arable land is immediately overgrown with forest if there are no grass fires, contradicting the previous assumption of a five-year wait period. Grass fires significantly influence vegetation growth and density on former agricultural fields.
Scientists at ZSL urge governments to prioritize the conservation of small mangrove patches despite their size, highlighting the critical ecosystem services they provide. The loss of these habitats threatens critically endangered species and coastal communities, and could exacerbate climate change impacts.
A genomic analysis by University of British Columbia researchers found that northern goshawks on Haida Gwaii have a highly distinct genetic cluster, with only around 50 birds remaining. The study adds context to conservation efforts and highlights the need to protect this vulnerable population.
A study of 2,800 hectares of mixed-conifer forest found that increasing tree density due to fire suppression leads to increased drought stress and reduced resilience to wildfires. Rising carbon dioxide levels exacerbate this effect, suggesting that denser forests will be more vulnerable to drought in the future.
A new study examines data from 11 western sites to quantify climate change effects on coniferous forests. The researchers found that previous datasets yielded conflicting results depending on the methodology used, highlighting the need for a standard approach.
A West Virginia University researcher suggests that forests are experiencing declining health due to climate change, leading to unbalanced growth and increased risk of disease. To restore a balanced diet, researchers recommend severely cutting back or ending fossil fuel use.
Researchers found that average forest trees growing in conditions similar to those of their peers will experience a 75% reduction in growth. The new study is based on a database of unanalyzed tree cores from the US Forest Service and provides a more accurate estimate than previous studies.
A new study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal reveals a total of 20,539 samples of different Iberian spider species, with 11 new species discovered. The research highlights the lack of knowledge on Iberian spiders and emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and wider taxonomical data to protect their conservation.
A new study found that urban frogs have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, making them more attractive to females. In contrast, the simpler calls of forest frogs are less appealing.
Fruit flies were first found in southern Africa, where they colonized the area after humans moved in around 10,000 years ago. The flies are attracted to marula fruit, which has been linked to their historical presence among indigenous tribes.
Researchers discovered that wild African fruit flies prefer marula fruits over citrus and are seasonal specialists in their ancestral forests of Zimbabwe. This finding provides clues into how the flies first came to live among humans, attracted by the scent of marula.
Rates of deforestation in war zones increase dramatically once peace is declared, according to a University of Waterloo study. Forests and jungles provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and food provision, which are hindered by deforestation after conflict ends.
Heavy precipitation fell in California wildfire areas, causing evacuations and flash floods, with IMERG data showing rainfall totals between 6.3-9.4 inches in north central California.
A 5-year study finds that deep-insulating snowpack loss could reduce forest carbon storage and filter pollutants by 95% in the northeastern US. This decline affects sugar maple trees, impacting industries like timber, maple syrup production, and tourism.
New research reveals that a species of ancient primate, Teilhardina brandti, found in Wyoming, is as old or older than its Asian and European relatives. This discovery challenges the prevailing hypothesis that Teilhardina first appeared in China. The study analyzed 163 teeth and jaws to determine the species' origins and migration patt...
Researchers estimate that soil can retain about 600 billion metric tons of carbon, more than twice the amount added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. This pathway relies on water dissolving organic carbon and transporting it deep into the soil, where it is bound to minerals.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Forests in the Pacific Northwest are less vulnerable to drought and fire due to climate conditions. Modeling suggests water-limited forests in the Rockies will be most affected by future drought-related mortality.
A new study suggests that natural solutions in the US can equal a quarter of the nation's current net annual emissions, with increased reforestation being the largest means to achieve greater carbon storage. The study highlights various high-performing forest and land management practices to mitigate climate change.
A new study by Portland State University researchers finds that climate change is causing more severe wildfires and larger insect outbreaks in temperate forests. The study analyzed 50 protected areas and found a strong link between high disturbance activity and warmer, drier-than-average climate conditions.
A long-term study found that frequent disturbances outweigh severe ones in structuring kelp forest biodiversity. Annual disruptions led to a doubling of smaller plants and 30-61% fewer fish and shellfish, highlighting the importance of resilience over severity.
Historically, 4-12% of western US land burned annually, while current trends underestimate future risks. Climate-driven drying and excess vegetation have led to low wildfire rates, shifting assessment towards inevitable future fires. The authors highlight the need for more widespread effective management strategies.
A new study suggests that declining nitrogen availability in natural ecosystems like grasslands and forests may limit plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This could have significant implications for the global climate, as plants play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found a global decline in nitrogen availability due to climate change, which can impact forest carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. The study suggests that even with reduced carbon emissions, many ecosystems will face nitrogen limitations, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices.
The Pando aspen clone, widely considered the world's largest single organism, is in grave need of forest triage. The study reveals that early protection from fencing showed great promise in abating browser impacts, but follow-up fencing efforts are currently failing.
A new study published in Nature found that sustainable forest management can only provide modest, local benefits rather than a significant impact on the global climate. Forests themselves will need to be adapted to climate change to sustain their ecological and social services.