Relationship between Forest Density and Albedo in the Boreal Zone. Lukeš, P., Stenberg, P., & Rautiainen, M. 261-262:74–79.
Relationship between Forest Density and Albedo in the Boreal Zone [link]Paper  doi  abstract   bibtex   
[Highlights] [::] We simulated albedo of boreal zone forests using a radiative transfer model. [::] Species composition had a strong impact on forest albedo. [::] Diurnal courses of albedo were related to forest density. [::] The albedos decreased with increasing stand biomass, LAI, and canopy cover. [Abstract] The relationship between albedo and forest areas is complex. Little is known about the driving factors of albedo in the boreal zone. Using a radiative transfer model and an extensive forest inventory database, we simulated albedo of forest stands composed of the most abundant tree species of Fennoscandia - Scots pine, Norway spruce and Silver birch. The physically-based radiative transfer model allowed us to uncouple the driving factors of the forest albedo. We analyzed separately how biomass, canopy cover, and species composition influence the shortwave albedo of a boreal forest. The albedos differed significantly between species and increased with solar zenith angle. The lowest values were observed for spruce stands, followed by pine stands and the highest values were observed for birch stands. Diurnal courses of albedo were tightly related to forest density as quantified by biomass or canopy cover. The albedos generally decreased with increasing stand biomass and canopy cover whereas the sensitivity to solar angle increased as the stands became denser. The sharpest decrease in albedo was observed at low biomass values, after which the albedo remained relative stable. The strength of the relationships was weaker for larger solar zenith angles. [Excerpt: Conclusions] Forest management practices, such as logging patterns or growing monospecific or mixed forests may have a significant influence on the albedo of the boreal biome. However, the influence of the resulting forest structure and species composition on the albedo of these forests has not been studied before using an extensive forest inventory database. In this study, we identified factors driving boreal forest albedo using a theoretical model. We show that species-specific stand albedos and their diurnal courses are tightly linked to forest density. The albedos differed significantly between species with the lowest values being observed for spruce and the highest for birch. From the forest management perspective, our results suggest that an increase in albedo can be achieved by (1) increasing the proportion of birch in conifer-dominated forests and (2) managing forests to have a low stand density throughout the rotation period.
@article{lukesRelationshipForestDensity2013,
  title = {Relationship between Forest Density and Albedo in the Boreal Zone},
  author = {Lukeš, Petr and Stenberg, Pauline and Rautiainen, Miina},
  date = {2013-07},
  journaltitle = {Ecological Modelling},
  volume = {261-262},
  pages = {74--79},
  issn = {0304-3800},
  doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.04.009},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.04.009},
  abstract = {[Highlights]

[::] We simulated albedo of boreal zone forests using a radiative transfer model. [::] Species composition had a strong impact on forest albedo. [::] Diurnal courses of albedo were related to forest density. [::] The albedos decreased with increasing stand biomass, LAI, and canopy cover.

[Abstract]

The relationship between albedo and forest areas is complex. Little is known about the driving factors of albedo in the boreal zone. Using a radiative transfer model and an extensive forest inventory database, we simulated albedo of forest stands composed of the most abundant tree species of Fennoscandia - Scots pine, Norway spruce and Silver birch. The physically-based radiative transfer model allowed us to uncouple the driving factors of the forest albedo. We analyzed separately how biomass, canopy cover, and species composition influence the shortwave albedo of a boreal forest. The albedos differed significantly between species and increased with solar zenith angle. The lowest values were observed for spruce stands, followed by pine stands and the highest values were observed for birch stands. Diurnal courses of albedo were tightly related to forest density as quantified by biomass or canopy cover. The albedos generally decreased with increasing stand biomass and canopy cover whereas the sensitivity to solar angle increased as the stands became denser. The sharpest decrease in albedo was observed at low biomass values, after which the albedo remained relative stable. The strength of the relationships was weaker for larger solar zenith angles.

[Excerpt: Conclusions]

Forest management practices, such as logging patterns or growing monospecific or mixed forests may have a significant influence on the albedo of the boreal biome. However, the influence of the resulting forest structure and species composition on the albedo of these forests has not been studied before using an extensive forest inventory database. In this study, we identified factors driving boreal forest albedo using a theoretical model. We show that species-specific stand albedos and their diurnal courses are tightly linked to forest density. The albedos differed significantly between species with the lowest values being observed for spruce and the highest for birch. From the forest management perspective, our results suggest that an increase in albedo can be achieved by (1) increasing the proportion of birch in conifer-dominated forests and (2) managing forests to have a low stand density throughout the rotation period.},
  keywords = {*imported-from-citeulike-INRMM,~INRMM-MiD:c-13928187,~to-add-doi-URL,albedo,anthropic-feedback,boreal-forests,climate,climate-change,forest-resources,species-association,taxon-specific-parameters}
}

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