In what ways does the reduction in elm canopy cover alter the microclimate of Mallorca's forested areas?

The reduction in elm canopy cover in Mallorca’s forested areas leads to notable changes in the local microclimate, influencing both temperature and moisture levels. Elm trees, with their broad leaves and extensive branches, provide significant shade throughout the forest floor. When this canopy is diminished, more direct sunlight reaches the undergrowth and soil, causing daytime temperatures to rise. This can result in a warmer and drier environment during daylight hours, as the protective shading effect that helped moderate temperature extremes is weakened.

Furthermore, the elm canopy plays a crucial role in maintaining humidity levels through evapotranspiration—the process by which water evaporates from leaves and soil. With fewer elm trees, the overall moisture released into the atmosphere declines, contributing to lower humidity in the immediate area. This moisture loss can accelerate soil drying and reduce habitat suitability for moisture-dependent plants and animals, gradually altering the forest’s ecological balance. Additionally, the diminished canopy cover reduces shelter from wind, increasing airflow and potentially exacerbating drying conditions.

At night, the canopy reduction also affects temperature regulation. Tree canopies typically act as insulation, trapping heat radiating from the ground and maintaining warmer night temperatures. Without this cover, forest floors may cool more rapidly, leading to greater temperature fluctuations between day and night. These shifts can stress native flora and fauna, which are adapted to more stable microclimate conditions provided by dense elm canopies.

Overall, the decline in elm canopy cover fundamentally alters the microclimate by making forested areas in Mallorca warmer, drier, and subject to greater temperature variation. These changes not only influence the comfort and experience of visitors to these natural spaces but also impact the ecological health and resilience of the forest ecosystems themselves.