Climate driven shifts in mountain forest heterogeneity: The impact of large scale shifts on smaller scale forest structure

摘要: Climate change is expected to influence forest ecosystems across a range of spatial scales. At large scale climate may promote shifts in species distribution, changes biomass, and structure. However, accompanying these larger will be concomitant the structure heterogeneity forests at smaller scales (forest stand level). driven particularly prevalent mountain systems where landscape spatially complex occurrence vegetation disturbances dependent on physical landscape. Developing better predictions for how impact also important regions ecosystem services derived from forests, such as protection avalanches, are often realized relatively Past research has shown that primarily determined by direct effects change, climatic disturbances, Here we examine three features interact determine Valais Region Switzerland. This region relevant case study because it frequency intensity disturbance events (primarily fire) predicted increase response change. We address this question parts. First, analyze current fluctuates function resolution, using tree diversity our metrics heterogeneity. Second, use simulation model (LandClim) assess region, specifically looking Third, simulated landscapes with regard compare projected conditions. conclude discussing implications observed services, management harvest) could potentially used maintain region. Change: Global Risks, Challenges Decisions IOP Publishing