Changes in Albedo of a Northern Hardwood Forest Following Clearcutting

Abstract

A semi-empirical model designed to stimulate seasonal and midsummer albedo of a northern tolerant hardwood stand following clearcutting was developed from field determinations conducted in west-central New Brunswick. In this model, changes in albedo are related to (1) vegetative regrowth (spreading of newly developing foliage over the cut area); (2) the gradual addition of vegetation layers within the forest canopy; and (3) seasonal variations from bud burst to fall. The field data indicated that (1) cutting reduced the albedo; (2) foliage regrowth rapidly increased the albedo to a maximum similar to that of a continuous single leaf layer within a few years after the cutting operation; (3) deepening of the canopy gradually decreased the albedo after its initial peak; and (4) albedo values were highest in early summer, except in the first year after the cutting operation. For. Sci. 41(2):268-277.