Our faculty member, Prof. Ufuk Yazgan, along with his colleagues, has published a new article in the journal Ecological Indicators. The study investigates the long-term net carbon effect of post-earthquake landslides on vegetation ecosystems, an area that remains unclear despite the significant impact of landslides on carbon dynamics across global regions.

The research focuses on the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, utilizing landslide inventories and satellite data. Advanced statistical models were applied to examine how post-earthquake landslides affect vegetation ecosystem net carbon uptake (ENCU) over the long term. The study also explores environmental factors influencing the recovery process.

The findings reveal that post-earthquake landslides lead to a considerable reduction in carbon uptake, with recovery times varying across affected areas. Precipitation was identified as a key factor facilitating recovery, while landscape fragmentation posed challenges. These results highlight the importance of sustainable land management practices after seismic events to maintain carbon balance.

To read the full article: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113170