USFS Climate Gallery - Forest Disturbances and Drought

Disturbances are events that may result in short- or long-term changes in an ecosystem. Droughts and extreme weather may directly or indirectly cause disturbances to forests and rangelands in the United States. Tree damage or death due to fire, floods, landslides, avalanches, high winds, insects, and diseases are examples of forest disturbances triggered or caused by weather and climate. However, continued research and monitoring will help us to better predict, understand, and manage these disturbances.