Climate scientist. I look at plants from space. Assistant Professor at University of Utah, leader of @DYCE_Lab
SLC, UT
Joined July 2010
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Using a simple model of regional tree loss using burned area, fire severity, and forest exposure, we show that 47% (nearly half!) of observed cumulative tree loss is due to trends in fire severity and forest exposure. Climate warming will exacerbate this. 5/7
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Increased forest exposure suggests more dense forests are vulnerable to severe wildfire. In the last decade, wildfire moved in climate space, impacting forests adapted to moister, cooler environments that might have resisted disturbance. 4/7
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Average fire severity and forest exposure rose by 30% and 41%, respectively, from 1985-2021. The average tree cover loss per burned area used to be 20%, but recently it has been 34%, on average (+70%!). Increased burned area drives most tree loss, but is not the sole factor! 3/7
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Hello there! I'm proud to share a new wildfire paper in ERL - California had recent huge fires but tree loss rose much faster, relatively, than burned area. How much is the per-burned-area impact on tree cover losses rising, and why? Paper: doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad… 1/7
Tree losses were concentrated in the hottest parts of the state. As summer temperatures continue to climb, even more of California's forests will be threatened by wildfire and climate stress. 4/n
Tree cover dynamics (dark green line, top panel) varied widely geographically. Northern forests were impacted by harvest and recent fires, but recovered when it rained in the 90s. Rapidly warming southern forests might be losing their ability to recover from disturbance. 3/n
Forests are key in natural climate solutions but are threatened by disturbances like fire, making their viability uncertain. Since 1985, forest growth in CA can't keep up with recent extreme wildfire seasons, resulting in a net loss of tree cover by 6.7%. 2/n
Hi friends. I am overjoyed to share I will soon move to SLC/@UUtah to join @UofUBiology as an assistant professor in January 2023!! I still can't believe how fortunate I am. Much love and gratitude to mentors, friends, and colleagues over the last decade+!
