Topic

Forests as regulators of water and carbon: Can management enhance these ecosystem functions?

Abstract

Forests strongly influence the hydrological cycle by regulating how rainfall is divided into runoff, infiltration, soil storage, and evapotranspiration. Because of the processes, forested catchments can sustain streamflow during dry periods and moderate floods during heavy storms. Evapotranspiration, in particular, plays a central role in long-term water balance. In this lecture, we first summarize the mechanisms of forest water cycling and explain how they contribute to drought mitigation and flood reduction. We then examine how forest management—including thinning, harvesting, and unmanaged conditions—can potentially strengthen these functions. Finally, we consider what types of management approaches may be especially relevant in Taiwan, where steep terrain and intense rainfall events require resilient watershed planning.

Biography

At Kyushu University, Professor Tomonori Kume explores water and carbon cycling within forest ecosystems, focusing on evapotranspiration, sap flux, and how climate change alters forest productivity and functions. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, he coordinates international collaborations, notably with National Taiwan University's Department of Forest Environment and Resources. His teaching spans forest hydrology, water resources management, and landscape management. As an editorial board member for Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, he also engages with the Japan-Sarawak Forest Research Consortium and APRU's Forest Ecosystem Living Lab network.

Powerpoint Presentation

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