Wind and fire as drivers of carbon pool variability in southeastern U.S. forests

Abstract

Forests in the southeastern U.S. play an important role in global climate mitigation via carbon (C) sequestration, yet recurrent disturbances like wind and fire threaten their ability to sequester C. Many southeastern U.S. forests are fire-dependent, and landowners and managers commonly apply low-intensity prescribed fires to maintain and restore these ecosystems. However, severe wind events like hurricanes and tornadoes can create widespread structural damage to forests, potentially increasing fuel loads and modifying fire behavior, thereby adding uncertainties about the re-introduction, effectiveness, and C consequences of prescribed fire. To better understand C dynamics in wind-damaged, fire-managed southeastern U.S. forests, we investigated how forest type and fire history influence C pools and distribution, especially in the forest floor. Understanding forest structural damage following wind events, fuel loads, and C pool dynamics will enhance ability of land managers and forest owners to assess and optimize C sequestration in southeastern U.S. forests, contributing to more effective climate mitigation strategies.