Repositório da Universidade dos Açores
Repositório Institucional da Universidade dos Açores
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Using forest structural complexity and topography metrics to characterise vertical microclimatic stratification
Publication . Lhoumeau, Sébastien; Seidel, Dominik; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Borges, Paulo A. V.
ABSTRACT: Understanding how topography and forest structure drive the transformation of incoming solar energy into local microclimatic conditions is essential for predicting forest resilience under climate change. Quantifying the importance of such attributes on the stratification of microclimates requires the integration of heterogeneous ecological data streams. Here, we combined satellite-derived solar radiation and topographic data, LiDARderived forest structural metrics and in situ air temperature and relative humidity time series to quantify the interactions between incoming solar energy, forest structure and topography, ultimately driving microclimatic stratification.
Focusing on native and exotic forest stands on Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, we evaluated how forest structural complexity and topography interact with incoming solar energy to jointly shape daily air temperature and vapour pressure deficit dynamics. By explicitly linking terrain complexity and three-dimensional vegetation structure with external energy inputs and sensor-derived microclimatic responses, our approach provides a datadriven basis for identifying the structural attributes that drive microclimatic variability within forests.
Our results show that forest structural complexity and topography shape the vertical gradient of air temperature and atmospheric dryness, but with responses differing among canopy, understory, and ground strata. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating remote sensing, environmental sensor networks, and statistical modelling to resolve biologically relevant microclimatic heterogeneity. More broadly, the workflow developed here offers a transferable framework for microclimate monitoring, forest restoration assessment, and the identification of microrefugia in structurally complex ecosystems.
Mycorrhizal status and inoculation response of Proteaceae cultivars on Terceira Island (Azores): Implications for sustainable crop establishment.
Publication . Dutra, Joel; Melo, Catarina Drumonde; Wu, Qiang-Shen
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can support sustainable crop production, but their role in Proteaceae remains poorly understood because many members of this family are considered non-mycorrhizal. This study assessed the mycorrhizal status, AMF taxon occurrence, and seasonal colonisation patterns in four ornamental Proteaceae cultivars on Terceira Island, Azores. The effects of early inoculation with native AMF on the growth and survival of Protea ‘Grandicolor’ cuttings were evaluated under nursery conditions. AMF colonisation was detected only in Protea ‘Grandicolor’ and Leucospermum ‘Succession II’, with total root colonisation ranging from 26–59% and 29–78%, respectively. Arbuscules were observed in both cultivars, providing morphological evidence consistent with a symbiotic interface. Nine AMF morphotypes belonging to Claroideoglomeraceae, Gigasporaceae, and Glomeraceaewere detected, and Funneliformis mosseae was the most frequently detected taxon. AMF taxon richness was highest in samples from Protea ‘Grandicolor’ and varied seasonally for this cultivar. Native AMF inoculation increased survival of Protea ‘Grandicolor’ from 50% to 90% and significantly enhanced shoot and whole-plant growth, leaf and root production, and fresh and dry biomass. These findings reveal cultivar-related variation in detected AMF colonisation and support further evaluation of locally adapted AMF inoculum for sustainable nursery production of ornamental Proteaceae in agroecosystems.
A descoberta que deu às células a oportunidade de recomeçar
Publication . Calado, Sofia; Coordenação e edição de Armindo Rodrigues (FCT-UAc)
Se pudéssemos voltar atrás, a um momento da nossa vida em que todos os caminhos ainda estavam em aberto, poderíamos escolher outra profissão, aprender novas habilidades e seguir novos caminhos.
Sena Freitas e o Brasil
Publication . Luz, José Luís brandão da
Os relatos de viagem de Sena Freitas dão-nos uma imagem do Brasil do seu tempo, permitindo acompanhar a vida das cidades como Santos, S. Paulo, que praticamente conheceu na sua formação, mas também o ambiente do sertão, que percorreu nas suas ‘missões’ e algumas cidades e regiões da Américas do Sul, assim como a atividade educativa que exerceu em Jundiaí, nos subúrbios de São Paulo.
Progress in the European periphery: an impracticable theory in 19th century Azores?
Publication . Costa, Susana Goulart
The paper examines the projects for economic, social and cultural progress developed in the Azores during the nineteenth century, with particular emphasis on the second half of the century. Drawing on liberal ideals and European models adopted by the Azorean elites, it explores initiatives aimed at agricultural modernisation, the expansion of commercial networks, investment in port and transport infrastructure, and the promotion of education, the arts and associative life. It also analyses the structural constraints that limited the implementation of these projects, particularly political and financial dependence on Lisbon, crises in the agricultural and commercial sectors, and inequalities between the islands. The demand for administrative autonomy, partially achieved in 1895, emerged as a response to the constraints imposed by the centralisation of power. The study concludes that progress in the Azores remained conditioned by limited resources and the concentration of benefits in the hands of a minority, highlighting the gap between the ideals of modernisation and the actual conditions for development in the island periphery.