Forest dynamics

Disturbances can vary in frequency and intensity, and include natural disasters such as fire, landslides, wind, volcanic eruptions, rare meteor impacts, outbreaks of insects, fungi, and other pathogens, animal-caused effects such as grazing and trampling, and anthropogenic disturbances such as warfare, logging, pollution, the clearing of land for urbanization or agriculture, and the introduction of invasive species.

[3] For example, temperate and boreal rainforests typically have a disturbance regime consisting of high-frequency but small-scale events, resulting in a highly complex forest dominated by very old trees.

[4] In contrast, forests that have a disturbance regime consisting of high-severity stand-replacing events, such as frequent fires, tend to be more uniform in structure and have relatively young tree stands.

The first of these stages, stand initiation, occurs after a major disturbance and involves many species arriving in the area of abundant light and nutrients.

The final stage, known as old-growth, is the extension and completion of the understory reinititation; a complex multi-aged and multi-layered forest has developed.

[9] Forests offer many ecosystem services including timber, fresh water, carbon storage, and areas of recreation.

Forestry and silviculture operations require a thorough comprehension of forest dynamics in order to implement effective management and conservation techniques.