Microclimate temperature effects propagate across scales in forest ecosystems.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Forest canopies shape subcanopy environments, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Empirical forest microclimate studies are often restricted to local scales and short-term effects, but forest dynamics unfold at landscape scales and over long time periods.

Objectives

We developed the first explicit and dynamic implementation of microclimate temperature buffering in a forest landscape model and investigated effects on simulated forest dynamics and outcomes.

Methods

We adapted the individual-based forest landscape and disturbance model iLand to use microclimate temperature for three processes [decomposition, bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) development, and tree seedling establishment]. We simulated forest dynamics with or without microclimate

SUBMITTER: Braziunas KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11790809 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature