Effects of trees on the burning of organic layers on permafrost terrain

Eric S. Kasischke; Merritt R. Turetsky; Evan Kane

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2011.12.009

Treesearch

Effects of trees on the burning of organic layers on permafrost terrain

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Eric S. Kasischke, Merritt R. Turetsky, Evan Kane

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2011.12.009

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management. 267: 127-133.

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Abstract

We collected data to estimate depth of the remaining (residual) organic layer as well as data to estimate total pre-fire organic layer depth in 99 plots located in mature black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) forests in interior Alaska that burned during the large fire seasons of 2004 and 2005. These data were collected immediately adjacent to trees as well as from throughout the plot along with tree stand characteristics (density and basal diameter), and used to assess if trees influenced depth of burning. While other studies have found residual organic layer depths to be shallower under trees than at randomly located points within a given area, our results showed that mean and median residual organic layer depth, as well as the frequency of depths

Keywords

Boreal forest, fire ecology, surface organic layer, permafrost

Citation

Kasischke, Eric S.; Turetsky, Merritt R.; Kane, Evan S. 2012. Effects of trees on the burning of organic layers on permafrost terrain. Forest Ecology and Management. 267: 127-133.