Patterns and drivers of recent disturbances across the temperate forest biome

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that forest disturbances are changing in response to global change, yet local variability in disturbance remains high. We quantified this considerable variability and analyzed whether recent disturbance episodes around the globe were consistently driven by climate, and if human influence modulates patterns of forest disturbance. We combined remote sensing data on recent (2001–2014) disturbances with in-depth local information for 50 protected landscapes and their surroundings across the temperate biome. Disturbance patterns are highly variable, and shaped by variation in disturbance agents and traits of prevailing tree species. However, high disturbance activity is consistently linked to warmer and drier than average conditions across the globe. Disturbances in protected areas are smaller and more complex in shape compared to their surroundings affected by human land use. This signal disappears in areas with high recent natural disturbance activity, underlining the potential of climate-mediated disturbance to transform forest landscapes.

Mapping the forest disturbance regimes of Europe

“…First, by characterizing the recent disturbance regimes of Europe we provide a baseline to assess future changes. This is important as disturbances are expected to change considerably in the coming decades 22,35 , yet a sound quantitative baseline for quantifying these changes has been missing to date. Second, we highlight that both socio-ecological shocks (such as reforestation waves after the Second World War 3 or the collapse of the Soviet Union 36 ) and changes in the biophysical environment (such as climate change) drive changes in forest disturbance regimes (Figure 4).…”

“…In Europe, however, forests have been utilized by humans for centuries, transforming species composition and structure 19–21 , and consequently also the natural disturbance regimes of forests. In addition to this indirect effect, human land-use is directly disturbing forest canopies through timber harvesting, altering the rate and spatial patterns of forest disturbances compared to natural systems 22 . Human land-use also interacts with natural disturbances, e.g.…”

Disturbances as opportunities: Learning from disturbance‐response parallels in social and ecological systems to better adapt to climate change

“…Disturbances, relatively discrete events that disrupt the dominant system and necessitate recovery, reorganization and/or redevelopment, are globally ubiquitous (e.g. Sommerfeld et al, 2018). As the climate changes and disturbance regimes shift, we need new thinking about disturbances’ role in ecosystem and social functioning and adaptation.…”

Ecological consequences of compound disturbances in forest ecosystems: a systematic review

“…Forest succession and development are also directed by human impacts that range from exploitative logging and landuse change to deliberate silvicultural entries designed to achieve desired conditions. The widespread occurrence of more frequent and severe natural disturbances has been attributed, in part, to precipitation and temperature anomalies associated with global change (Dale et al 2001, Seidl et al 2017, Sommerfeld et al 2018. Coupled with growing human demands, recognition of altered disturbance regimes has motivated interest in multiple interacting disturbances (Turner 2010, Buma 2015.…”