How trees influence the hydrological cycle in forest ecosystems

Abstract

Ultimately, the quest of ecohydrology (or hydroecology) is to apply fundamental knowledge from hydrology, ecology, atmospheric science, and related disciplines to solve real world problems involving biological systems and hydrologic cycles. Achieving this goal requires sharing information across disciplines, and this chapter is structured toward that end. Our aim is to present current ecological concepts concerning the ways that the structure and function of forest vegetation influence hydrologic processes. To cover this topic in a single chapter, we emphasize some aspects of the interactions between forest trees and hydrology, especially transpiration, over others, such as moisture interception by forest canopies. Other important topics are not covered at all, such as the influence of forest trees and the myriad flora and fauna associated with them on soil hydraulic properties, and root channels as preferential water flow paths in soils. Research is needed to develop a broader conceptual understanding of these belowground processes, especially over long time periods.

Citation

Bond, Barbara J.; Meinzer, Frederick C.; Brooks, J. Renee. 2007. How trees influence the hydrological cycle in forest ecosystems. In: Wood, Paul J; Hannah, David M; Sadler, Jonathan, eds. Hydroecology and ecohydrology: past, present and future. John Wiley & Sons. Ltd.: 7-35