Abstract
Climate change is expected to drive increased tree mortality through drought, heat stress, and insect attacks, with manifold impacts on forest ecosystems. Yet, climate-induced tree mortality and biotic disturbance agents are largely absent from process-based ecosystem models. Using data sets from the western USA and associated studies, we present a framework for determining the relative contribution of drought stress, insect attack, and their interactions, which is critical for modeling mortality in future climates. We outline a simple approach that identifies the mechanisms associated with two guilds of insects - bark beetles and defoliators - which are responsible for substantial tree mortality. We then discuss cross-biome patterns of insect-driven tree mortality and draw upon available evidence contrasting the prevalence of insect outbreaks in temperate and tropical regions. We conclude with an overview of tools and promising avenues to address major challenges. Ultimately, a multitrophic approach that captures tree physiology, insect populations, and tree-insect interactions will better inform projections of forest ecosystem responses to climate change.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 674-683 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | New Phytologist |
| Volume | 208 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2015 |
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Keywords
- Biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks
- Carbon cycle
- Disturbance
- Dynamic global vegetation model
- Trophic interactions
Cite this
}
Tree mortality from drought, insects, and their interactions in a changing climate. / Anderegg, William R. L.; Hicke, Jeffrey A.; Fisher, Rosie A.; Allen, Craig D.; Aukema, Juliann; Bentz, Barbara; Hood, Sharon; Lichstein, Jeremy W.; Macalady, Alison K.; Mcdowell, Nate; Pan, Yude; Raffa, Kenneth; Sala, Anna; Shaw, John D.; Stephenson, Nathan L.; Tague, Christina; Zeppel, Melanie.
In: New Phytologist, Vol. 208, No. 3, 01.11.2015, p. 674-683.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Tree mortality from drought, insects, and their interactions in a changing climate
AU - Anderegg, William R. L.
AU - Hicke, Jeffrey A.
AU - Fisher, Rosie A.
AU - Allen, Craig D.
AU - Aukema, Juliann
AU - Bentz, Barbara
AU - Hood, Sharon
AU - Lichstein, Jeremy W.
AU - Macalady, Alison K.
AU - Mcdowell, Nate
AU - Pan, Yude
AU - Raffa, Kenneth
AU - Sala, Anna
AU - Shaw, John D.
AU - Stephenson, Nathan L.
AU - Tague, Christina
AU - Zeppel, Melanie
PY - 2015/11/1
Y1 - 2015/11/1
N2 - Climate change is expected to drive increased tree mortality through drought, heat stress, and insect attacks, with manifold impacts on forest ecosystems. Yet, climate-induced tree mortality and biotic disturbance agents are largely absent from process-based ecosystem models. Using data sets from the western USA and associated studies, we present a framework for determining the relative contribution of drought stress, insect attack, and their interactions, which is critical for modeling mortality in future climates. We outline a simple approach that identifies the mechanisms associated with two guilds of insects - bark beetles and defoliators - which are responsible for substantial tree mortality. We then discuss cross-biome patterns of insect-driven tree mortality and draw upon available evidence contrasting the prevalence of insect outbreaks in temperate and tropical regions. We conclude with an overview of tools and promising avenues to address major challenges. Ultimately, a multitrophic approach that captures tree physiology, insect populations, and tree-insect interactions will better inform projections of forest ecosystem responses to climate change.
AB - Climate change is expected to drive increased tree mortality through drought, heat stress, and insect attacks, with manifold impacts on forest ecosystems. Yet, climate-induced tree mortality and biotic disturbance agents are largely absent from process-based ecosystem models. Using data sets from the western USA and associated studies, we present a framework for determining the relative contribution of drought stress, insect attack, and their interactions, which is critical for modeling mortality in future climates. We outline a simple approach that identifies the mechanisms associated with two guilds of insects - bark beetles and defoliators - which are responsible for substantial tree mortality. We then discuss cross-biome patterns of insect-driven tree mortality and draw upon available evidence contrasting the prevalence of insect outbreaks in temperate and tropical regions. We conclude with an overview of tools and promising avenues to address major challenges. Ultimately, a multitrophic approach that captures tree physiology, insect populations, and tree-insect interactions will better inform projections of forest ecosystem responses to climate change.
KW - Biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks
KW - Carbon cycle
KW - Disturbance
KW - Dynamic global vegetation model
KW - Trophic interactions
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84945481178&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/nph.13477
DO - 10.1111/nph.13477
M3 - Review article
VL - 208
SP - 674
EP - 683
JO - New Phytologist
T2 - New Phytologist
JF - New Phytologist
SN - 0028-646X
IS - 3
ER -