Effects of drought on the water balance of selected forest sites and the evaluation of a drought risk

Frankfurt am Main

2007

S. 142-148

2 Abb., 3 Tab., 4 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200143581

Scenarios of the climatic development for the next decades indicate an increase in weather extremes threatening the existence of current ecosystems. A long-lasting drought and high temperatures in 2003 resulted in an extremely high water shortage affecting the growth of trees. Key points of the investigation are: Which parameters are substantial for the evaluation of critical drought phases and how do different ecosystems react to drought? Which type of forest ecosystems, sites or tree species are more sensitive to a drought risk and which are less affected? - The data of the Forest Monitoring Network obtained by a harmonised data acquisition are an excellent starting point for the evaluation of drought risks. Therefore, data of level 1 and level 2 programs were used for the development of a model. The water balance of 94 forest plots was modelled. The transpiration index (aT/pT-ratio) is understood as an indicator of water stress risk of forest sites.