American scientists from Stanford University in California warned about the spread of so-called “zombie forests” in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine PNAS Port.
According to experts, climate change has led to up to 20 percent of coniferous trees in the Sierra Nevada no longer able to survive in very hot and dry conditions.
There is no longer enough water in the mountains to feed the shallow root systems of Ponderosa pines, Lambert pines, and Douglas firs. As a result, the forest gradually dries out, preserving only partially its ecosystem functions. Trees are gradually being replaced by chaparral shrubs, which are more resistant to high temperatures.
“The name ‘zombie forest’ sounds a bit kitsch, but I’ve found it to be true,” said Avery Hill, an ecologist and co-author of the study.
The scientific team studied various global warming scenarios and concluded that if humanity allows climate change to occur rapidly, almost all of the Sierra Nevada will be unsuitable for coniferous forests by the end of the century.
Researchers also found that despite increasing efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions of fossil fuels and other greenhouse gas sources, “zombie forests” in California’s mountains could still double in size this century.
If these forests are burned to the ground by severe fires or eventually destroyed by drought, disease or pests, they will likely be replaced by other types of trees and shrubs, scientists say. This can significantly reduce the amount of carbon a region can store, as well as provide habitat for invasive (alien) species and eliminate native flora and fauna.
Previous scientists warnedthat global warming will change Europe’s forests forever.
Source: Gazeta
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