ForClim App (prototype)
Indicators available in the app ¶
Future tree species composition ¶
Indicator for climate fitness
The app simulates how the species composition of a forest will change over time under different climate scenarios. This information enables foresters to plan climate-resilient forests and promote climate adapted tree species. It allows them to understand which tree species composition will be appropriate in 50 years and how quickly different tree species will lose their competitive advantage at a given location.
Stand development ¶
Indicator for growth and timber use
The app provides results on the future development of biomass, timber stocks, and growth. With the help of dynamic time series graphics, foresters can strategically plan harvesting times: the app shows whether it makes sense to thin the forest and promote the regeneration of tree species.
Stand structure and stability ¶
Indicator of resilience
The app indicates the future diameter distribution of the trees and the development of the ratio of tree height to trunk diameter (h/d, slenderness ratio). These variables are important indicators of the stability of a stand. This aspect has a higher priority than pure timber stock, especially in mountain forests, where the protective function is paramount.
More apps ¶
Publications ¶
Contact ¶
Ulrike Hiltner, Harald Bugmann (ETH)
This work was funded by the National Centre for Climate Services NCCS and carried out as part of the programme “Decision Support for Dealing with Climate Change in Switzerland (NCCS-Impacts)” as part of the project “Impacts of climate change on ecosystem services”.