Holocene-scale fire dynamics of central European temperate spruce-beech forests

0494222 - ARÚ 2019 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Carter, V. A. - Moravcová, A. - Chiverrell, R. C. - Clear, J. L. - Finsinger, W. - Dreslerová, Dagmar - Halsall, K. - Kuneš, P.
Holocene-scale fire dynamics of central European temperate spruce-beech forests.
Quaternary Science Reviews. Roč. 191, 1 July (2018), s. 15-30. ISSN 0277-3791. E-ISSN 1873-457X
Grant - others:GA ČR(CZ) GA16-06915S
Institutional support: RVO:67985912
Keywords : climate * fire * Holocene * microfossils * palaeoecology
OECD category: Archaeology
Impact factor: 4.641, year: 2018

This study investigated the long-term role and drivers of fire in the central European temperate spruce-beech forests from Prášilské jezero, Czech Republic. The results illustrate the complex relationship between broad-scale climate, vegetation composition, and local human activities on fire throughout the Holocene. Biomass burning was the highest (average 3 fires/1000 years) and most severe during the early Holocene when fire resistant taxa (Pinus, Corylus and Betula) dominated. Using a Generalized Additive Model to assess the response of dominant canopy taxa to changes in biomass burning and fire severity, response curves demonstrate a positive relationship (p < 0.01) between fire resistant taxa and increases in biomass burning. Norway spruce (Picea abies) established ~10,000 cal yr BP and expanded during peak biomass burning. Response curves show a slight negative relationship with Picea and increasing biomass burning, and a positive relationship with increasing fire severity. This suggests that central European spruce forests may not be significantly impacted by fire. Regional biomass burning dramatically decreased with the expansion of fire sensitive taxa (e.g. Fagus sylvatica) ~6500 cal yr BP, yet no dramatic reduction in local fire frequency occurred. This suggests either human activities or rare fire-promoting climatic events were important in shaping local fire regimes. Fire activity peaked (6 fires/1000 years) ~2500 cal yr BP and paralleled increases in anthropogenic pollen indicators. Fagus response curves illustrates a negative (p < 0.01) relationship with increasing biomass burning and fire severity suggesting that natural Fagus forests may be increasingly vulnerable to projected increases in wildfire occurrence.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0287483