How Trees Handle Drought: A Look at Larch Forests

Larch trees face big challenges when it rains less. Scientists wanted to see how these trees react to dry weather. They used cool tech to map the tree canopies in 3D. This helped them see how the trees handle light, water, and carbon. Thinning the trees helped them catch more light. More light means the trees can make more food. This food-making process is called photosynthesis. With more light, the trees could take in more carbon, even when it was dry.But when it rained less, the trees had a tough time. They got less light, and their tiny leaf pores closed up. These pores, called stomata, help trees breathe. With less rain, the trees made less chlorophyll, the green stuff that helps them make food. The scientists also found that thinning the trees while it was dry helped them take in even more carbon. This shows that taking care of forests in the right way can help them handle tough weather. This study gives us new clues about how trees adjust to dry weather. It shows how important it is to understand how trees work. This knowledge can help us take better care of forests and protect them from climate change.