Research Seminar - Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Seminar Abstract: Devastating forest damage resulting from extreme drought and heat is being increasingly reported from around the world. In early 2011, associated with a protracted drought, abnormally dry conditions (less that 50% rainfall) and mean maximum temperatures of 1 to 1.5°C above average, sudden forest collapses were observed in two regionally significant, Mediterranean Type Ecosystems (MTE’s) in Western Australia (the Northern Jarrah – Eucalyptus marginata - Forest and Tuart – Eucalyptus gomphocephala - woodland). Remote sensing and field investigations were undertaken to characterise the extent and severity of collapse, as well as the associations between canopy health and potential predisposing site and stand factors. In addition, how the sites changed over time was tracked with regards to tree response, secondary pests and fuel dynamics. Approximately 16,800 ha of the forest were shown to have collapsed. Canopy dieback was found to be concentrated in distinct areas with approximately 50% of these associated with shallow, water-shedding soils. A key impact of the collapse was a significant change in forest structure with a reduced canopy height and proliferation of new stems formed from coppice regrowth. These new, younger stems have a distinctly different water use, which may affect the capacity of these areas to sustain extant forest stands into to future. Tracking such forest health changes in response to severe disturbances is an important key to deciphering past and future vegetation change.

Further information about the Centre, can be found at the official website - http://www.foresthealth.com.au/

The seminar will be followed by drinks and nibbles available in the foyer of L9 – all are welcome!

No RSVP is required, we hope to see you there.