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Forests, one of the most dominant ecosystems on Earth, are home to significant biodiversity. Scientists are increasingly interested in how this diversity is fostered by the microclimates sheltered by trees.
A recent study by the University of Montana suggests that global warming in the Pacific Northwest would reduce the ability of many forest microclimates to moderate climatic extremes. l & # 39; future.
The study was published in "Forest canopies produce microclimates that are less variable and more stable than similar habitats without forest cover,
. "said Kimberley Davis, a UM postdoctoral research associate and the senior author of the study." Our work shows that the ability of forests to buffer climate extremes depends on canopy cover and the availability of local moisture – which should change as the Earth heats up. "
She said many plants and animals The understory of forests depends on stable climatic conditions that are s & # 39; The study suggests that some forests will lose their ability to buffer climatic extremes as water becomes limited at many sites.
"Changes in water balance, combined with accelerated canopy losses due to increased frequency and severity of disturbances Davis
Other researchers who contributed to this work are Solomon Dobrowski and Philip Higuera of UM, Zachary Holden of US Forest Service and John Abatzoglou of the University of Idaho
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Materials Provided by University of Montana . Note: Content can be edited by style and duration.
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