Observational evidence for cloud cover enhancement over western European forests

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14065
• Publication Date: 2017-01-11T10:29:52Z
• Authors: Adriaan J. Teuling; Christopher M. Ta...; Jan Fokke Meirink; Lieke A. Melsen; Diego G. Miralles; Chiel C. van Heer...; Robert Vautard; Annemiek I. Stege...; Gert-Jan Nabuurs; Jordi Vilà-Guerau...
• Keywords: Cloud forest; Temperate rainforest; Temperate forest

Abstract Forests impact regional hydrology and climate directly by regulating water heat fluxes. Indirect effects through cloud formation precipitation can be important in facilitating continental-scale moisture recycling but are poorly understood at scales. In particular, the of temperate forest on clouds is largely unknown. Here we provide observational evidence for a strong increase cover over large regions western Europe based analysis 10 years 15 min resolution data from geostationary satellites. addition, show that widespread windthrow cyclone Klaus Landes led to significant decrease local subsequent years. Strong development along downwind edges larger areas consistent with forest-breeze mesoscale circulation. Our results highlight need include impacts when evaluating services forests, particular around densely populated areas.