Melting Snow in Forests Threatens Carbon Storage

Quick summary:

• Global Issue: Loss of winter snowpack in temperate forests due to rising global temperatures is reducing their growth and carbon storage capacity.
• Study Insight: Experimental research in New Hampshire shows that red maple trees with reduced snow cover grew only half as much due to root damage caused by freeze-thaw soil cycles.
• Carbon Reduction Estimate: Northeast US temperate forests could lose over one million tonnes of annual carbon storage by the end of this century due to snowpack loss.
• Snow’s Role: Snow acts as an insulating layer, preventing extensive soil freeze-thaw cycles, which are now increasing with less snowfall.
• Variable Response Expected: Different types of forests may react differently to changes in snowpack, with modeling challenges acknowledged.

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