How have changes in southern Appalachian forest structure been influenced by human activities over the past century?
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Human activities have significantly impacted the structure of southern Appalachian forests over the past century. Historical land use practices, such as fire exclusion and forest fragmentation due to shale gas extraction activities, have altered forest composition and connectivity . Additionally, past disturbances like charcoal manufacturing for iron or lime furnaces have left a legacy affecting soil properties and potentially creating unique refugia for forest flora and fauna . Euro-American land-use practices from the late 19th to early 20th centuries have also played a crucial role in shaping forest dynamics in the region, with only a few remaining old-growth forests providing insights into past conditions and serving as a baseline for present and future forest management . These anthropogenic influences, combined with ongoing indirect disturbances, continue to impact the structure and composition of southern Appalachian forests today .
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
|---|---|
26 Jun 2023 | Human activities, including fire exclusion and land use changes, have altered the Southern Appalachian forest structure over the past century, impacting fire regimes and tree species composition. |
01 Jan 2016 4 Citations | Human activities, including exotic pests, atmospheric deposition, altered herbivory, and fire regime changes, have impacted southern Appalachian forest structure by inducing succession and altering species composition since the 1930s. |
6 Citations | The recent boom of unconventional shale gas extraction activities in Appalachian Ohio has led to significant forest fragmentation and loss of core forest, impacting the forest structure in the region. |
| Charcoal hearths in the USA Appalachian region show unique landscape patterns due to historic charcoal manufacturing, impacting soil chemistry and potentially serving as refugia for forest flora. | |
01 Jan 2018 2 Citations | Human activities, particularly from 1880 to 1930, have significantly impacted southern Appalachian forest structure. Understanding these historical influences is crucial for assessing present and future forest dynamics. |
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