Twenty years after storm Gudrun: A lasting impact on forest science that highlights the critical role of forest monitoring

Abstract

Storm Gudrun represents one of the most significant meteorological events in recent Swedish history, causing widespread forest destruction in southern Sweden. Now, 20 years after the storm, it is time to reflect on its impact on the forest sciences. We highlight key research themes that emerged in response to the storm, emphasising the critical role of research and monitoring infrastructure in facilitating the generation of valuable insights. We identified 18 articles focusing on storm Gudrun within forest-related research fields, which were, in turn, cited by over 600 subsequent studies. A citing network analysis resulted in eight research clusters, including, wind dynamics, carbon dynamics due to disturbances, spruce bark beetle responses, and storm damage in Sweden and Europe. Our review of primary literature underscores their dependence on established environmental monitoring and research infrastructure to provide essential background data. Maintaining these infrastructures is central to the advancement of forest-related sciences.