Increased fire intensity or extent would enhance the potential for landslides. Forest structure can be modified to speed up the successional process in the event of a disturbance. What is a likely outcome of a moderate disturbance, such as a severe thunderstorm? Thus, management effects are not always positive.
Photo: Virginia DaleThe ability to manage for these eight disturbances varies greatly. Density of trees can be managed to reduce the potential for future insect outbreaks or storm damage.
Improved understanding of local meteorological events that spawn tornadoes is needed, as well as improved projections of conditions that foster thunderstorms. In some cases, however, the combination of disturbances may ameliorate impacts. reduced species diversity within a community loss of an equilibrium state of balance, leading to a less healthy community patches of different habitats within the landscape?
This paper is Environmental Sciences Division Publication Number 4944.For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.Dale, Joyce, McNulty, and Neilson are committee members of the Forest Sector of the National Assessment on Climate Change who are focusing on disturbances.
What is a likely outcome of a moderate disturbance, such as a severe thunderstorm? For example, reconstructive studies should be done to determine the long-term influence of successive ice storms on forests.
We also consider options for coping with disturbance under changing climate. Recovery can also be managed to reduce vulnerability to future disturbances.Many disturbances are cascading. Short-term weather forecasts will be needed to predict drought occurrences for existing forests. Misconception Question 270 Part A What is a likely outcome of a moderate disturbance, such as a severe thunderstorm? Reduced species diversity within a community Patches of different habitats within the landscape Loss of an equilibrium state of …
Select all that apply. Landslides in forest landscapes can also damage aquatic resources and threaten public safety.
Ultimately, this knowledge should lead to better ways to predict and cope with disturbance-induced changes in forests.Lloyd C. Irland is president, The Irland Group, Winthrop, ME 04364.The following scientists who have special knowledge of these disturbances assisted: Ayres (insects and pathogens); Flannigan, Stocks, and Wotton (fires); Hanson (drought); Irland (ice storms); Lugo (hurricanes); Peterson (windstorms); Simberloff (introduced species); and Swanson (landslides).