Tags: forestry, dendrochronology, carbon, temperature, forest growth
| Principal Investigator: | Osawa, Akira (28) |
| Licence Number: | 15548 |
| Organization: | Kyoto University, Graduate School of Agriculture |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2014
|
| Issued: | Sep 25, 2014 |
| Project Team: | Xanthe Walker, Yokiro Matsuura, Nahoko Osawa-Kurachi, Hatena Osawa, Kazuaki Fujii, Souichirou Fujii, Akira Kato, Hiroyuki Obanawa, Yoshihiro Iijima, Masako Dannoura |
Objective(s): To estimate structure and growth of forest stands in northwestern Canada by applying a stand reconstruction technique, and to examine the relationship between climate change in the Arctic region and the patterns of forest biomass growth during the past century.
Project Description: Objectives of the research are two-fold. First is to estimate structure and growth of forest stands in northwestern Canada by applying a stand reconstruction technique. Second is to examine the relationship between climate change in the Arctic region and the patterns of forest biomass growth during the past century. The research team also measure currently occurring growth and carbon dynamics of forest ecosystems in the region to clarify the quantitative relationship between climate variability and forest response. Two basic methods will be involved in the study. First is tree measurement in selected forest study plots and collection of stem samples. The research team will collect either stem increment cores or stem disc samples. Second is analysis of tree-rings to calculate stand biomass, their annual growth, and other variables based on the recently-developed method of quantitative stand reconstruction called 'OAZ method' (Osawa et al. 2000, 2005). The research team also plan to estimate growth and carbon dynamics of current forests in selected study plots by tree measurement, aboveground litter collection, fine root dynamics studies, etc. The research team will be able to make a presentation of this research activity in the local community particularly in Fort Smith where the team plans to stay longer. Results of the study will eventually be published in scientific papers and/or books. They will be distributed to individuals and communities when they become available. The research team also plan to make oral presentations of the research at occasions in local communities so that people could have a chance of being informed of the activity. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 26, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
