Fire and Logging Decrease Soil CO2 Efflux in Siberian Central Taiga Forests

Abstract Extensive wildfires and logging have affected the Russian boreal forests in recent decades. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests are widespread in Russia and are one of the most disturbed tree species in Siberia. However, the effects of disturbance on soil CO2 efflux in the vast Siberian forests are still poorly understood. We used the LI…

Comparing climate risk across Russian regions

Abstract Climate risks pose a threat to the economy and the society, making their accurate assessment crucial for effective adaptation strategies. However, such estimates are complicated due to incomplete data on the potential risk-related damages. In this study, we apply a simplified heuristic approach using the hazard-exposure-vulnerability framework to assess climate risks in Russia. We…

Impact on permafrost layers from wildfires

Multi-authored article including some Russian contributions. They were interested in the thickness of the active permafrost layer and have combined 52,566 data records which others can use for modelling further impacts. Abstract: As the northern high-latitude permafrost zone experiences accelerated warming, permafrost has become vulnerable to widespread thaw. Simultaneously, wildfire activity across northern boreal forest…

What happens to the forest floor after Siberian wildfires?

The main tree species in the Siberian taiga are larch, Scots pine, fir, spruce, Siberian pine and birch. Lightning is more a frequent cause of wildfires in northern Siberia with anthropogenic activity causing wildfires further south, however central and eastern Siberia have been more affected overall by wildfires. They decrease soil quality (organic matter, structure,…

How is climate change affecting public health in Russia?

The researchers reviewed 1740 papers and reports which show increasing interest in the impact of climate change on public health in Russia: They were stimulated by the World Climate Change Conference held in Moscow in 2003 with the support of the United Nations and other international organizations, including WHO. The same year, the first review…

What are soil CO2 emissions after Siberian wildfires?

Siberian boreal forest regions act as carbon sinks but are also affected by climate change impacts such as wildfires. Wildfires release carbon into the atmosphere and change soil decomposition and respiration. The scientists wanted to examine soil emissions, temperature, moisture and properties during successions after wildfires, using taiga study sites in Central Siberia. They expected…