25/06/2025
First project paper published
Our paper Simulating Lightning-Induced Tree Mortality in the Dynamic Global Vegetation Model LPJ-GUESS is now available in Global Change Biology. This is the first time lightning-induced tree mortality was implemented into a global ecosystem model. We demonstrate that LPJ-GUESS can accurately replicate observed patterns of lightning-related tree deaths in Panama, the most extensively studied region for this phenomenon. When applied globally, the model estimates that lightning strikes kill between 301 and 340 million trees each year, accounting for approximately 2.1% to 2.9% of total biomass mortality worldwide.
12/09/2024
GfÖ Annual Meeting
Andreas Krause gave a talk at the 53rd GfÖ (German Ecological Society) Annual Meeting in Freising to present first results of the lightning mortality implementation in LPJ-GUESS.
19/06/2024
LPJ-GUESS community meeting
Andreas Krause gave a talk at the LPJ-GUESS community meeting in Freising to discuss ideas about the implementation of lightning-induced tree mortality with other LPJ-GUESS users.
01/06/2024
Project started
The FlashForest project (2024-2027) will explore the ecological importance of lightning using the dynamic vegetation model LPJ-GUESS. The first phase of the project will focus on implementing lightning damage and mortality into the model based on findings from existing field studies.