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Fire in Australian savannas: From leaf to landscape

Authors :
Beringer, Jason
Hutley, Lindsay B.
Abramson, David
Arndt, Stefan K.
Briggs, Peter
Bristow, Mila
Canadell, Josep G.
Cernusak, Lucas A.
Eamus, Derek
Edwards, Andrew C.
Evans, Bradleys J.
Fest, Benedikt
Goergen, Klaus
Grover, Samantha P.
Hacker, Jorg
Haverd, Vanessa
Kanniah, Kasturi
Livesley, Stephen J.
Lynch, Amanda
Maier, Stefan W.
Moore, Caitlin
Raupach, Michael
Russell-Smith, Jeremy
Scheiter, Simon
Tapper, Nigel J.
Uotila, Petteri
Beringer, Jason
Hutley, Lindsay B.
Abramson, David
Arndt, Stefan K.
Briggs, Peter
Bristow, Mila
Canadell, Josep G.
Cernusak, Lucas A.
Eamus, Derek
Edwards, Andrew C.
Evans, Bradleys J.
Fest, Benedikt
Goergen, Klaus
Grover, Samantha P.
Hacker, Jorg
Haverd, Vanessa
Kanniah, Kasturi
Livesley, Stephen J.
Lynch, Amanda
Maier, Stefan W.
Moore, Caitlin
Raupach, Michael
Russell-Smith, Jeremy
Scheiter, Simon
Tapper, Nigel J.
Uotila, Petteri
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Savanna ecosystems comprise 22% of the global terrestrial surface and 25% of Australia (almost 1.9 million km2) and provide significant ecosystem services through carbon and water cycles and the maintenance of biodiversity. The current structure, composition and distribution of Australian savannas have coevolved with fire, yet remain driven by the dynamic constraints of their bioclimatic niche. Fire in Australian savannas influences both the biophysical and biogeochemical processes at multiple scales from leaf to landscape. Here, we present the latest emission estimates from Australian savanna biomass burning and their contribution to global greenhouse gas budgets. We then review our understanding of the impacts of fire on ecosystem function and local surface water and heat balances, which in turn influence regional climate. We show how savanna fires are coupled to the global climate through the carbon cycle and fire regimes. We present new research that climate change is likely to alter the structure and function of savannas through shifts in moisture availability and increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in turn altering fire regimes with further feedbacks to climate. We explore opportunities to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from savanna ecosystems through changes in savanna fire management.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.ocn970818258
Document Type :
Electronic Resource