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Boreal Forests: Ancient Carbon Stores Endure
3 Jul
Summary
- Boreal forests, vast northern forests, hold significant carbon stores.
- A new study mapped forest age, revealing most remain mature.
- Mature forests store more carbon than young, rapidly growing ones.
A recent study has revealed that the immense boreal forest biome, stretching across the northern hemisphere, largely consists of mature forests despite recent disturbances. Researchers mapped forest age across this vital ecosystem, finding that it remains a significant carbon stockpile.
These forests, spanning countries like Canada and Russia, store substantial carbon in their trees and soil. The study employed satellite imagery and machine learning to estimate forest age, indicating an average age of 112 years. Although western Canada and Siberia show increased younger forests due to fires and logging, mature forests still dominate.
Older and mature forests are crucial for carbon storage, accumulating vast amounts over centuries. The findings show these older forests persist, particularly at higher latitudes, supporting wildlife. Conservationists are advised to consider age diversification for forest resilience and carbon accounting.
