Exploring the Dynamics of Forests and Climate: A Case Study of India

The distribution and composition of forests worldwide are primarily influenced by geographical factors, latitude, and prevailing climatic conditions. These conditions also govern how various types of forests respond to changes in climate. Understanding the feedback loop between vegetation and climate is complex due to regional variations, making it a challenging study area. Previous studies have predominantly focused on the biogeochemical processes, assessing the forest's carbon sequestration potential, while the role of biogeophysical mechanisms- such as evapotranspiration and latent heat flux, apart from albedo- in this relationship remains poorly understood.
The present study aims to comprehensively explore both the biogeochemical and biogeophysical mechanisms operating within Indian forests and their influence on climate by utilizing finer-resolution observational datasets. India, characterized by diverse geographical features, harbors 16 distinct forest types. My initial findings indicate an overall increase in forest cover except in wet evergreen and montane wet temperate forests within India. Additionally, evidence suggests heightened gross primary productivity, suggesting the forests' ability to mitigate warming effects. The study will explore the intricate dynamics of evapotranspiration and other related factors, aiming to unravel their synergistic impact on the regional climate. The findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping forest-climate interactions, providing valuable information for sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation strategies.