Articles tagged with Forests
A Rochester Institute of Technology imaging scientist has received $194,000 in NGA grants and $197,000 from NASA to develop a new waveform LiDAR method that can create clearer 3D sub-canopy maps of forests. This technology will aid in identifying potential threats and understanding forest physiology.
A new global measure found that only 17.4 million square kilometres of Earth's remaining forests - or 40 per cent - are considered to have high integrity. High integrity forests contain high levels of biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, but many have been heavily impacted by human activities.
Researchers have revised the record of glacial and warm intervals in southern Finland, pushing back the timeline by 200,000 years. This discovery provides new insights into the paleogeography, vegetation, and climate of Fennoscandia during different interglacials.
Researchers found 27 plastic items per square meter in mangroves, with plastics buried up to 35cm deep. Mangroves' resilience is threatened as trees suffocate when half of the forest floor is covered in plastic.
A new study identifies five large-scale 'megatrends' impacting forests globally, including droughts, urbanization, consumer demand, digital technologies, and infrastructure development. These megatrends are likely to have both positive and negative effects on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
A new study published in JGR Oceans suggests that giant kelp forests may help mitigate ocean acidification by reducing acidity near the surface, but has no impact on the ocean floor where sensitive species dwell. The research found an overall less acidic environment within the kelp forest compared to outside of it.
A virtual reality forest created by geographers can let people walk through a simulated forest of today and see potential future scenarios. The researchers used data on a typical Wisconsin forest to create a more organic, natural feel, allowing visitors to experience the changes brought on by climate change.
A new study reveals that Amazon trees dying at a faster rate are those with higher growth speeds, which are more vulnerable to climate change. The research found that drought is also driving tree death, particularly in the southern Amazon.
A new study analyzing Iberian spiders' biodiversity patterns in Spain's national parks reveals environmental factors significantly impact their distribution. The study identifies a pattern relating to the rise of temperatures and decrease of precipitation with an increase in spider endemism, highlighting potential conservation strategies.
A recent study on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish can navigate back to their shelters at dawn after feeding on corals at night. The research found that only starfish with a well-stocked larder, meaning they have an ample supply of coral prey, were able to find their way home.
Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that even protected biodiversity hotspots are losing significant areas to agriculture and urban sprawl. Over a quarter century, the world's most biologically diverse places lost an area three times the size of Sweden.
A first-of-its-kind study found that the US wood pellet industry has a net positive effect on southeastern US forests, with overall carbon storage increased and standing-dead trees decreasing. However, the researchers caution that future expansion and increasing demand may pose concerns if not monitored closely.
A drone inspired by the northern goshawk's wing and tail motion was developed to approximate raptor-like flight performance, achieving faster turns and decelerations. The device features a morphing wing and tail that adjust in synergy for optimal agility.
A 25% increase in leopard populations has been reported in northern China's Loess Plateau due to successful reforestation efforts. The five-year plan restored biodiversity and allowed leopards to thrive by reintroducing prey species, leading to a notable increase in their numbers.
A new study found that trees' participation in fungal networks in forest soil is linked to their growth, carbon storage, and ability to withstand drought. The research suggests that these networks can provide significant growth advantages to trees with more connections.
A study found that trees in larger cities are healthier and more productive than those in less dense areas, with red maples being the most productive in urban environments. The research highlights the importance of planting the right tree species in cities to support ecological resilience.
Researchers at University College London have used laser technology to measure the volume and biomass of giant Californian redwood trees for the first time. The technique offers new insights into carbon storage and ecosystem structure, with estimates suggesting these large trees are up to 30% heavier than previous indirect methods.
A new global assessment report finds that forests and trees can alleviate poverty, but benefits are unevenly distributed among communities. Agroforestry systems, community forest management, ecotourism, and forest producer organizations show promise in reducing poverty, while protected areas can exacerbate local income inequalities.
A new report identifies priority areas for ecosystem restoration, which could rescue land-based species and soak up vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Protecting these areas and restoring natural ecosystems can deliver significant biodiversity and climate benefits at a relatively low cost.
Aerosol particles play a significant role in heat absorption and deflection by the atmosphere. Researchers have now detected the rate at which these tiny particles leave the atmosphere, revealing a much narrower range of lifetimes than previously suggested. This new understanding can improve climate models and air quality forecasting.
A new article proposes a scale-adaptive auto-context-guided fetal US segmentation framework with structured random forests, improving the accuracy of fetal biometric measurements. The proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of segmentation accuracy for fetal head circumference and abdominal circumference.
Scientists study tree rings to reveal how Arctic dimming kills trees and limits growth due to reduced sunlight from industrial pollution. The research found massive tree mortality associated with the Norilsk mining complex in northern Siberia.
A new study found that the spread of ghost forests across North Carolina's coastline can lead to significant losses in carbon stored in plants and trees above ground. Researchers discovered ways landowners can offset these losses, including tree plantings and proper drainage management.
Research suggests leaving up to 75% of naturally disturbed forest areas unlogged preserves 90% of original species richness. This guideline can help promote biodiversity in affected habitats.
Climate change is causing more frequent and severe wildfires in the Cascade Range, reshaping forests. Historically, fires occurred every 50-200 years, but climate-driven changes have led to increased fire frequency, with some areas burning within 12 years of each other.
A new study suggests that concentrating tree planting efforts on understocked forest land, particularly in western states and the Northeast, can substantially increase carbon sequestration capacity. This targeted approach could enhance ecosystem services and offset a significant portion of the country's carbon dioxide emissions.
Increasing tree planting in understocked US forestland could increase carbon sequestration capacity by approximately 20%. Currently, annual tree-planting efforts result in sequestering around 16-28 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
A high-resolution map of European forest canopy openings has been created, showing a 17% loss of canopy in 30 years. The size of openings varies widely by region, with Spain's largest opening being 17,000 hectares due to a single fire.
Aleutian Reef decline is driven by the absence of sea otters, which prevents urchin population growth. Ocean warming and acidification exacerbate this issue, reducing the alga's resistance and leading to reef erosion.
Researchers found that producing animal-sourced foods consumes over 80% of the Earth's agricultural acreage, leading to widespread deforestation and climate change. Shifting to land-friendly diets could regrow native vegetation capable of absorbing CO2, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
A 2018 European drought had devastating effects on crops, forests, and grasslands. Researchers found that plants initially benefited from the warm spring weather but suffered from lack of water during summer heatwaves.
A global analysis of over 200 thousand tree-ring records reveals that fast-growing trees have significantly shorter lifespans than slower-growing ones. This challenges predictions of increased carbon storage in forests over the long term, suggesting that growth-lifespan trade-offs may lead to a reduced forest carbon sink.
Researchers at New York University have discovered that flowing water carves ultra-sharp spikes in landforms, creating the pointed rock formations known as stone forests. The study sheds light on a mechanism that explains the prevalence of these structures in karst topography.
Extensive measurement data reveals severe impact of heat and drought on lower-altitude ecosystems, while higher-altitude ecosystems benefited from warmer temperatures. Productivity fell by an average of 20% in mixed forest and meadows at lower altitudes.
A new study suggests that drastically shifting agricultural production from animals to plant-sourced foods could remove more than a decade of global carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that this change could free up space for ecosystems to regrow, effectively doubling Earth's rapidly shrinking carbon budget.
A new study projects that post-fire recovery will be less likely in the future, with large percentages of Southern Rocky Mountains becoming unsuitable for key tree species. The team's database can help land managers better plan where to invest resources after a fire.
Researchers used satellite imagery to detect non-native Amur honeysuckle in urban parks and cemeteries, achieving 82% accuracy. The method provides a cost-effective solution for ecological restoration, allowing for targeted removal of invasive species.
African forest elephants' trail networks benefit humans and local communities. Biological anthropology plays a crucial role in conservation by considering human knowledge and needs alongside species protection.
A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.
A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...
The region's forested areas grew more fragmented due to urban sprawl, but also saw an increase in tree cover, mainly attributed to maturing trees and land-conservation efforts. This paradox highlights the need for effective land-use planning techniques to protect habitats and minimize fragmentation.
A new study suggests that climate change will negatively influence forest growth in semi-arid climates with reduced seasonal snowpack, but less so in wetter climates. In water-limited areas, this may lead to increased tree mortality and negative impacts on forest density.
A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the 2018 drought and heat event in European forests reveals that even drought-resistant tree species suffered long-term damage. The study suggests that future scenarios require redesigning forests to combat heat and drought, and new analytical approaches are needed to track tree mortality...
Researchers found that native 'ohi'a seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas with active mortality from Rapid 'ohi'a Death, a fungal disease devastating to Hawaiian forests. Seedlings were six times more likely to die if weeds were allowed to grow around them.
Research team reports record-breaking temperatures causing water transport collapse through wood, leading to widespread tree death and drought-related stress symptoms. Mixed forests with drought-resistant species are needed to mitigate climate change impacts.
Researchers from SUNY ESF predict that warmer climate and nitrogen deposition will lead to the invasion of temperate tree species into boreal peatlands, threatening biodiversity conservation. The study uses data from Shingle Shanty Preserve as a critical resource for understanding the biological response to climate change.
Researchers used high-resolution data to identify environmental factors shaping redwood distribution, finding habitat suitability varies with moisture availability and fog across different landscape elevations. Redwood habitats are consistently more suitable near streams, with suitability ranging from 22-75% within a single landscape.
A new study finds that poorly designed tree-planting campaigns could lead to more biodiversity loss and little climate change benefit. Strong subsidy restrictions are crucial to avoid these negative impacts.
A Colorado State University-led study found that afforestation may not be as effective at removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as previously thought. The research suggests that ratios of soil organic carbon underneath afforested areas vary greatly across different ecosystems and climates.
Scientists warn that forests can be risky climate investments due to risks from climate change, including droughts, wildfires, and insect damage. This paper highlights the need for a better understanding of these risks to optimize forest investments and minimize carbon storage loss.
Researchers warn that forests can be vulnerable to climate change, including fire, drought, and insect damage, which can undermine the effectiveness of forest-based natural climate solutions. Scientists must focus on assessing forest climate risks and sharing data with policymakers to inform climate strategies.
A study from UC Davis maps 15% of California's natural lands as 'climate refugia' where existing vegetation can buffer climate change impacts. These areas are priority targets for conservation and wildfire restoration efforts, offering a chance to conserve habitat and services for wildlife.
New research evaluates how US wind plant performance changes with age, finding that older plants experience relatively low levels of decline in peak performance compared to European fleets. Fungi food choices study reveals enzymes used for breaking down plant cell walls can be mass-produced and used in industrial processes.
Scientists developed a new method to add deuterium to benzene, improving drug efficacy. Forest research found forests worldwide are dying due to environmental changes. The ITER project began assembling the world's largest fusion reactor, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory improved cancer treatment through isotope separation.
A new study reveals significant land-use changes in Bangladesh, driven by biophysical and socioeconomic factors. The research identifies areas where forests have shifted to shrub land and urban areas, highlighting the need for policies to mitigate their impact on climate change.
A new study calls for a radically different approach to addressing deforestation, focusing on understanding how individuals make choices about forests and livelihoods. Researchers propose using specially designed board games to help stakeholders align forces despite differing values and worldviews.
Researchers analyzed late-spring frost data from 1959 to 2017 and found that 35% of European and 26% of Asian forests are threatened by increasing frost damage. The study highlights the evolutionary impact of spring frost on boreal and temperate woody species.
New research suggests that logging of native forests significantly increases fire risk and severity, exacerbating Australia's recent catastrophic bushfires. The study highlights the importance of preventing logging in moist forests and reducing forest fragmentation to mitigate future wildfires.
Deer damage is driven by factors such as climate, tree type, density, roads, and surrounding landscape, according to a new study. The study found that afforestation can influence deer damage in different areas of the country.
New research reveals that mature forests do not retain extra carbon absorbed from elevated CO2 levels, but instead release it back to the atmosphere. The study's findings have significant implications for climate models and future carbon sequestration strategies.