Forest canopy structure response to climate change from a global perspective
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The structure of the forest canopy plays a pivotal role in determining the response of forest ecosystems to climate change. However, the large-scale impact of climate change on canopy structure remains inadequately understood, particularly at the global level. This knowledge gap can be attributed mainly to the lack of reliable methods for consistently monitoring changes in canopy structure over extended periods. To address this challenge, we developed a global Forest Canopy Structure Index (FCSI) by synthesizing four remotely sensed vegetation indices, thus enabling the mapping of spatial and temporal dynamics of canopy structures across the globe. Furthermore, we investigated how the canopy structures of six distinct forest types respond to ten key climate variables. Our results reveal substantial latitudinal variation in FCSI: in the Northern Hemisphere, FCSI decreases by approximately 0.002 for every 1° increase in latitude, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the decline is more pronounced, approaching 0.004. The only forest types exhibiting an overall increase in FCSI from 2005 to 2021 are Deciduous Broadleaf Forests, Deciduous Needleleaf Forests, and Woody Savannas, yet only 27.91% of global forests show a significant rise in FCSI. Precipitation emerged as the most influential factor driving changes in FCSI, while diurnal temperature range exerted a robust positive effect on canopy structure across all six forest types. This study introduces novel methodologies for large-scale quantification of forest canopy structure and provides valuable insights into how forest ecosystems respond to and adapt to climate change.