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GIS-based Probability Assessment of Natural Hazards in Forested Landscapes of Central and South-Eastern Europe

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Abstract

We assessed the probability of three major natural hazards—windthrow, drought, and forest fire—for Central and South-Eastern European forests which are major threats for the provision of forest goods and ecosystem services. In addition, we analyzed spatial distribution and implications for a future oriented management of forested landscapes. For estimating the probability of windthrow, we used rooting depth and average wind speed. Probabilities of drought and fire were calculated from climatic and total water balance during growing season. As an approximation to climate change scenarios, we used a simplified approach with a general increase of pET by 20%. Monitoring data from the pan-European forests crown condition program and observed burnt areas and hot spots from the European Forest Fire Information System were used to test the plausibility of probability maps. Regions with high probabilities of natural hazard are identified and management strategies to minimize probability of natural hazards are discussed. We suggest future research should focus on (i) estimating probabilities using process based models (including sensitivity analysis), (ii) defining probability in terms of economic loss, (iii) including biotic hazards, (iv) using more detailed data sets on natural hazards, forest inventories and climate change scenarios, and (v) developing a framework of adaptive risk management.

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Acknowledgments

Our study was part of the project ReForMan (Regional forest management support needs; www.reforman.de) within the SEE-ERA.net networking program. The project was funded by the participating countries. UN/ECE ICP Forests provided the data on tree crown defoliation from the European Level I plot network. Finally, we would like to thank three anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Soil Science and Site Ecology, Dresden University of Technology, Pienner Str. 19, 01737, Tharandt, Germany

    C. Lorz, C. Fürst, M. Strauch & F. Makeschin

  2. Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Z. Galic

  3. Department for Forest Management Planning, Slovenian Forest Service, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    D. Matijasic

  4. Department of Silviculture, CUA Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

    V. Podrazky

  5. Department of Ecology, Croatian Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia

    N. Potocic

  6. Department Forest Ecology, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    P. Simoncic

  7. Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria

    H. Vacik

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  1. C. Lorz
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Lorz, C., Fürst, C., Galic, Z. et al. GIS-based Probability Assessment of Natural Hazards in Forested Landscapes of Central and South-Eastern Europe. Environmental Management 46, 920–930 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-010-9508-0

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