Heat Budget of Sub-Mediterranean Downy Oak Landscapes of Southeastern Crimea

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a research endeavor focused on the diurnal and seasonal dynamics of heat balance and its constituent elements within an oak forest situated in the expanse of the Karadag Nature Reserve. Computed are the values corresponding to the elements of heat balance, encompassing radiation balance, latent heat fluxes corresponding to heat consumption for evaporation, turbulent heat exchange transpiring within the atmosphere, and heat flux coursing through the soil. The features of changes in the heat balance in two key areas are considered: in the zone of growth of the downy oak forest in an open area and in the forest itself. The study discloses patterns characterizing the apportionment of radiation balance into heat and energetic fluxes within the context of the downy oak landscapes native to the southeastern Crimea. Scrutiny of the data established that a substantial proportion of radiation balance finds application in propelling turbulent heat flux, while a minor share is channeled into processes of evaporation and soil heat flux. Evidenced is that the magnitudes of heat balance components, encompassing radiation balance, latent heat fluxes corresponding to heat consumption for evaporation, turbulent heat exchange transpiring within the atmosphere, and heat flux through the soil within the sub-canopy realm, undergo modifications contingent upon the seasons of the year and the vegetative phases of the downy oak forest. The correlation between air temperature and the constituents of heat balance is subject to analysis both within the confines of the territory in the zone of growth of the downy oak forest in an open area and in the forest itself. Manifest is the constancy of the influence exerted by forest vegetation upon heat balance; nevertheless, the degree of its impact is circumscribed by the cyclical dynamics of foliage upon the trees: a well-developed canopy serves to amplify the influence exerted upon the distribution of heat and energetic fluxes. This study of heat balance and its constituents assumes significance in engendering comprehension regarding the operation of downy oak landscapes that are situated on the periphery of their habitudinal range. Also, it helps to reveal deeper patterns of climate change in forest ecosystems.