Drivers and mechanisms of tree mortality in moist tropical forests

McDowell, Nate and Allen, Craig D. and Espirito-Santo, Fernando (2018) Drivers and mechanisms of tree mortality in moist tropical forests. New Phytologist, 219 (3). pp. 851-869. ISSN 0028-646X

[thumbnail of McDowell_2018_Proof]
Preview
PDF (McDowell_2018_Proof)
McDowell_2018_Proof.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial.

Download (2MB)

Abstract

Tree mortality rates appear to be increasing in moist tropical forests (MTFs) with significant carbon cycle consequences. Here, we review the state of knowledge regarding MTF tree mortality, create a conceptual framework with testable hypotheses regarding the drivers, mechanisms and interactions that may underlie increasing MTF mortality rates, and identify the next steps for improved understanding and reduced prediction. Increasing mortality rates are associated with rising temperature and vapor pressure deficit, liana abundance, drought, wind events, fire and, possibly, CO2 fertilization-induced increases in stand thinning or acceleration of trees reaching larger, more vulnerable heights. The majority of these mortality drivers may kill trees in part through carbon starvation and hydraulic failure. The relative importance of each driver is unknown. High species diversity may buffer MTFs against large-scale mortality events, but recent and expected trends in mortality drivers give reason for concern regarding increasing mortality within MTFs. Models of tropical tree mortality are advancing the representation of hydraulics, carbon and demography, but require more empirical knowledge regarding the most common drivers and their subsequent mechanisms. We outline critical datasets and model developments required to test hypotheses regarding the underlying causes of increasing MTF mortality rates, and improve prediction of future mortality under climate change.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
New Phytologist
Additional Information:
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: McDowell, N. , Allen, C. D., Anderson‐Teixeira, K. , Brando, P. , Brienen, R. , Chambers, J. , Christoffersen, B. , Davies, S. , Doughty, C. , Duque, A. , Espirito‐Santo, F. , Fisher, R. , Fontes, C. G., Galbraith, D. , Goodsman, D. , Grossiord, C. , Hartmann, H. , Holm, J. , Johnson, D. J., Kassim, A. R., Keller, M. , Koven, C. , Kueppers, L. , Kumagai, T. , Malhi, Y. , McMahon, S. M., Mencuccini, M. , Meir, P. , Moorcroft, P. , Muller‐Landau, H. C., Phillips, O. L., Powell, T. , Sierra, C. A., Sperry, J. , Warren, J. , Xu, C. and Xu, X. (2018), Drivers and mechanisms of tree mortality in moist tropical forests. New Phytol, 219: 851-869. doi:10.1111/nph.15027 which has been published in final form at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.15027/abstract This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700
Subjects:
?? amazondrouthstropical forestsecologyremote sensingmodelingmedicine(all) ??
ID Code:
124759
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
25 Apr 2018 14:10
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Mar 2024 00:39