National report on sustainable forests, 2020

Published: May 17, 2023

Language: Английский

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Changes in the geographic distribution of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, in the United States

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(6), P. 102233 - 102233

Published: July 24, 2023

Ixodes scapularis (the blacklegged tick) was considered a species of no medical concern until the mid-1970s. By that time, tick's geographic distribution thought to be mainly in southeastern United States (US), with additional localized populations along Eastern Seaboard north southern Massachusetts and Upper Midwest. Since 1975, I. has been implicated as vector seven human pathogens is now widely distributed across eastern US up border Canada. Geographic expansion tick-borne diseases associated (e.g., Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis) attributed an expanding range tick. However, due changes tick surveillance efforts over it difficult differentiate between increased recognition already established populations. We provide history documented occurrence from its description 1821 present, emphasizing studies evidence Deforestation decimation white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), primary reproductive host for adults, during 1800s presumably led disappearing large areas where previously had established. Subsequent reforestation population recovery, together recent climate warming, contributed proliferating spreading refugia persisted into early 1900s. From collection records, appears present numerous locations part 1900s, whereas likely limited small number sites time period. There clear coastal New York by 1950, northwestern Wisconsin late 1960s. While recognizing dramatically 1980s onward, we describe multiple instances clearly Northeast, Midwest, Ohio Valley regions present. Spread local increase scapularis, documentation Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto host-seeking ticks, universally followed increases disease cases these areas. Southward northern which questing behavior nymphal stage leads substantially higher risk bites compared populations, Virginia North Carolina also rising numbers cases. Ongoing ticks essential data needed seek evaluate relative roles land cover, hosts, explaining predicting diseases.

Language: Английский

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Potential ecological impacts of climate intervention by reflecting sunlight to cool Earth

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 118(15)

Published: April 5, 2021

As the effects of anthropogenic climate change become more severe, several approaches for deliberate intervention to reduce or stabilize Earth’s surface temperature have been proposed. Solar radiation modification (SRM) is one potential approach partially counteract warming by reflecting a small proportion incoming solar increase albedo. While science research has focused on predicted SRM, almost no studies investigated impacts that SRM would ecological systems. The and risks posed vary implementation scenario, effects, geographic region, ecosystem, community, population, organism. Complex interactions among system living systems further affect risks. We focus here stratospheric aerosol (SAI), well-studied relatively feasible scheme likely large impact temperature. outline current gaps in knowledge about both helpful harmful SAI Desired outcomes might also inform development future scenarios. In addition filling these gaps, increased collaboration between ecologists scientists identify common set goals improve communication with public. Without this collaboration, forecasts will overlook biodiversity ecosystem services humanity.

Language: Английский

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Northern forest winters have lost cold, snowy conditions that are important for ecosystems and human communities

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 29(7)

Published: July 16, 2019

Winter is an understudied but key period for the socioecological systems of northeastern North American forests. A growing awareness importance winter season to forest ecosystems and surrounding communities has inspired several decades research, both across northern at other mid- high-latitude around globe. Despite these efforts, we lack a synthetic understanding how climate change may impact hydrological biogeochemical processes social economic activities they support. Here, take advantage 100 years meteorological observations region United States eastern Canada develop suite indicators that enable cross-cutting (1) temperatures snow cover have been changing (2) shifts human communities. We show cold covered conditions generally decreased over past years. These trends suggest positive outcomes tree health as related reduced fine root mortality nutrient loss associated with frost negative northward advancement proliferation insect pests. In addition effects on vegetation, reductions in are likely impacts ecology through water, soils, wildlife. The overall coldness also consequences logging products, vector-borne diseases, health, recreation, tourism, cultural practices, which together represent important dimensions region. findings advance our winters transform system defined by contrasting rhythm seasons. Our research identifies trajectory informs expectations future continues warm.

Language: Английский

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The Changing Face of Winter: Lessons and Questions From the Laurentian Great Lakes

Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 126(6)

Published: May 14, 2021

Abstract Among its many impacts, climate warming is leading to increasing winter air temperatures, decreasing ice cover extent, and changing precipitation patterns over the Laurentian Great Lakes their watershed. Understanding predicting consequences of these changes impeded by a shortage winter‐period studies on most aspects Lake limnology. In this review, we summarize what known about during 3–6 months identify key open questions physics, chemistry, biology other large, seasonally frozen lakes. Existing show that conditions have important effects physical, biogeochemical, biological processes, not only but in subsequent seasons as well. Ice cover, extent which fluctuates dramatically among years five lakes, emerges variable controls functioning ecosystem. Studies properties formation ice, effect vertical horizontal mixing, light conditions, biota, along with measurements fundamental state rate parameters lakes watersheds are needed close knowledge gap. Overcoming formidable logistical challenges research large dynamic ecosystems may require investment new, specialized infrastructure. Perhaps more importantly, it will demand broader recognition value such work collaboration between physicists, geochemists, biologists working world's freezing seas.

Language: Английский

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Is snow drought a messenger for the upcoming severe drought period? A case study in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Atmospheric Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 309, P. 107553 - 107553

Published: June 27, 2024

Language: Английский

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Winter Weather Whiplash: Impacts of Meteorological Events Misaligned With Natural and Human Systems in Seasonally Snow‐Covered Regions

Earth s Future, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 7(12), P. 1434 - 1450

Published: Nov. 21, 2019

Abstract “Weather whiplash” is a colloquial phrase for describing an extreme event that includes shifts between two opposing weather conditions. Prior media coverage and research on these types of extremes have largely ignored winter events. However, rapid swings in can result crossing from frozen to unfrozen conditions, or vice versa; thus, the potential impact events coupled human natural systems may be large. Given rapidly changing conditions seasonally snow‐covered regions, there pressing need deeper understanding such extent their impacts minimize risks. Here we introduce concept whiplash, defined as class which collision unexpected produces forceful, rapid, back‐and‐forth change induces outsized systems. Using series case studies, demonstrate effects whiplash depend context they occur, discuss how restructuring social ecological We use long‐term hydrometeorological record at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest New Hampshire, USA quantitative methods delineating biophysical impacts. Ultimately, argue robust conceptual frameworks will contribute ways mitigate adapt climate vulnerable regions.

Language: Английский

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Network analysis can guide resilience‐based management in forest landscapes under global change

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 31(1)

Published: Aug. 31, 2020

Abstract Forests are projected to undergo dramatic compositional and structural shifts prompted by global changes, such as climatic changes intensifying natural disturbance regimes. Future uncertainty makes planning for forest management exceptionally difficult, demanding novel approaches maintain or improve the ability of ecosystems respond rapidly reorganize after events. Adopting a landscape perspective in is particularly important fragmented landscapes where both diversity connectivity play key roles determining resilience change. In this context, network analysis functional traits combined with ecological dynamic modeling can help evaluate response within among stands landscapes. Here, we coupled theory analyze forested an interconnected patches. We simulated future dynamics large southern Quebec, Canada, under combination climate, disturbance, scenarios. depicted network, assessed using indicators at multiple spatial scales, evaluated if current practices suitable maintaining Our results show that climate change would promote productivity favor heat‐adapted deciduous species. Changes disturbances will likely have negative impacts on native conifers drive type composition. Climate negatively impacted all triggered losses across undesirable consequences capacity these forests adapt Also, strategies failed different levels, highlighting need more active thoughtful approach study demonstrates usefulness combining landscape‐scale simulation analyses possible well human

Language: Английский

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Increasing the Physical Representation of Forest‐Snow Processes in Coarse‐Resolution Models: Lessons Learned From Upscaling Hyper‐Resolution Simulations

Water Resources Research, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 57(5)

Published: April 23, 2021

Abstract Processes shaping forest snow cover evolution often vary at small spatial scales, which are not resolved by most model applications. Representing this variability larger scales and coarser resolutions constitutes a major challenge for developers. In study, we use well‐validated hyper‐resolution that explicitly resolves the of canopy‐snow interactions meter scale to explore adequate representation forest‐snow processes (50 m). For purpose, assess coarser‐resolution runs against spatially averaged results from corresponding simulations over 150,000 m 2 domain. simulations, tested alternative upscaling strategies. Our reveal considerable discrepancies between strategies utilize generalized canopy metrics versus apply more detailed set process‐specific descriptors. Particularly, inclusion descriptors represent various perspectives relevant individual leads accurate simulation dynamics coarse resolutions. further demonstrate realistic snow‐covered fraction in snowmelt calculations is important even relatively (∼50 m) grid cells. Ultimately, work provides recommendations modeling large‐scale applications, allow resolution approximate simulations.

Language: Английский

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Nine Maxims for the Ecology of Cold-Climate Winters

BioScience, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 71(8), P. 820 - 830

Published: Feb. 22, 2021

Abstract Frozen winters define life at high latitudes and altitudes. However, recent, rapid changes in winter conditions have highlighted our relatively poor understanding of ecosystem function relative to other seasons. Winter ecological processes can affect reproduction, growth, survival, fitness, whereas that occur during seasons, such as summer production, mediate how organisms fare winter. As interest grows ecology, there is a need clearly provide thought-provoking framework for defining the pathways through which it affects organisms. In present article, we nine maxims (concise expressions fundamentally held principle or truth) drawing from perspectives scientists with diverse expertise. We describe being frozen, cold, dark, snowy, less productive, variable, deadly. Therefore, implications impacts on wildlife are striking resource managers conservation practitioners. Our final, overarching maxim, “winter changing,” call action address immediate study rapidly changing winters.

Language: Английский

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