Research paper: Modelling probability of forest storm damage in different storm types

Suvanto, S., Henttonen, H.M., Nöjd, P. & Mäkinen, H. (2016). Forest susceptibility to storm damage is affected by similar factors regardless of storm type: Comparison of thunder storms and autumn extra-tropical cyclones in Finland. Forest Ecology and Management 381, 17-28. DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2016.09.005

ABSTRACT: Wind storms are a major source of disturbance in European forests and changes in climate are expected to further increase the amount of damage. The aim of this study was to compare the factors affecting forest susceptibility to storm damage between two storm types, autumn extra-tropical cyclones and thunder storms, to find out whether similar factors expose forests to damage in storms with different meteorological characteristics.

Research paper: Norway spruce provenance tests reveal local adaptations in the climatic control of radial growth

Suvanto, S., Nöjd, P., Henttonen, H.M., Beuker, E. & Mäkinen, H. (2016). Geographical patterns in the radial growth response of Norway spruce provenances to climatic variation. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 222, 10-20. DOI: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2016.03.003

ABSTRACT: Changing climate is expected to cause range shifts and reduced growth in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). In order to mitigate these changes, genetic variation between populations can be utilized in selecting alternative tree origins that are better suited to the new conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the intraspecific differences in the climatic drivers of radial growth in Norway spruce.