Photo: phys.org
"Satellite Study Reveals Heat Dome's Scorching Impact on Forest Canopies"
A satellite imagery analysis reveals the devastating impact of the 2021 heat dome on forest canopies in the Pacific Northwest, affecting nearly 5% of the regions forests.
- The 2021 heat dome caused significant damage, scorching almost 5% of forested areas in western Oregon and western Washington, transforming healthy foliage to red or orange in mere hours.
- Researchers at Oregon State University found that the intense heat wave during the heat dome reduced photosynthesis, heightening trees vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- The study utilized advanced satellite imagery to assess changes in canopy (biology) structure and health, revealing alarming shifts in leaf coloration and overall forest health.
Why It Matters
This research underscores the immediate and long-term ecological consequences of extreme weather events like the heat dome, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and forest management strategies in the face of rising temperatures.