1. Altered cyclone-fire interactions are changing ecosystems.
- Author
-
Ibanez T, Platt WJ, Bellingham PJ, Vieilledent G, Franklin J, Martin PH, Menkes C, Pérez-Salicrup DR, Russell-Smith J, and Keppel G
- Subjects
- Ecosystem, Trees, Forests, Cyclonic Storms, Fires
- Abstract
Global change is altering interactions between ecological disturbances. We review interactions between tropical cyclones and fires that affect woody biomes in many islands and coastal areas. Cyclone-induced damage to trees can increase fuel loads on the ground and dryness in the understory, which increases the likelihood, intensity, and area of subsequent fires. In forest biomes, cyclone-fire interactions may initiate a grass-fire cycle and establish stable open-canopy biomes. In cyclone-prone regions, frequent cyclone-enhanced fires may generate and maintain stable open-canopy biomes (e.g., savannas and woodlands). We discuss how global change is transforming fire and cyclone regimes, extensively altering cyclone-fire interactions. These altered cyclone-fire interactions are shifting biomes away from historical states and causing loss of biodiversity., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests No interests are declared., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
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