Structural complexity in forests improves carbon capture

Forests in the eastern United States that are structurally complex -- the arrangement of vegetation is varied throughout the physical space -- sequester more carbon, according to a new study.

Structural complexity in forests improves carbon capture. Photo: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash

The study, by researchers at the University of Connecticut, Virginia Commonwealth University and Purdue University, demonstrates for the first time that a forest's structural complexity is a better predictor of carbon sequestration potential than tree species diversity.

"Now there is a recognition of the importance of how the leaf area is arrayed in three dimensions," says study author Robert Fahey, a forest ecologist at UConn. "The variability of the arrangement of the leaf area in the canopy can be important in terms of forest productivity as well as resilience to different types of disturbances and stressors."

Understanding how forest structure drives carbon sequestration is important for ecologists, climate modelers and forest managers, who are working on ways to mitigate climate change.

Why are structurally complex forests better at carbon sequestration? Co-author Chris Gough of Virginia Commonwealth University suggests that multiple layers of leaves may optimize how efficiently light is used to power carbon sequestration in wood. (National Science Foundation)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Collapse of desert bird populations likely due to heat stress from climate change

Hotter temperatures mean birds need more water to cool off -- if it's available.

Study finds rising ozone a hidden threat to corn

Scientists determining how today's corn plants will respond to future ozone levels.

Voracious fish defend coral reefs against warming

Researchers reported warming seas appear to decrease the efficacy of the chemical compounds that corals release into the water to defend themselves from bacteria and encroaching seaweed, but these losses may be mitigated if there are large numbers of hungry fish around.

Iridium 'loses its identity' when interfaced with nickel

Iridium "loses its identity," and its electrons act oddly, in an ultra-thin film when interfaced with nickel-based layers.

Tiny, biocompatible laser could function inside living tissues

Researchers have developed a tiny nanolaser that can function inside living tissues without harming them.

New study suggests high lead levels during pregnancy linked to child obesity

Children born to women who have high blood levels of lead are more likely be overweight or obese, compared to those whose mothers have low levels of lead in their blood.