Estimation of decay potential of wooden elements above ground in Greece

摘要

In this study, the decay potential of wooden elements above ground in Greece is investigated. The presented analysis is based on the daily climatic data measured over a period of 20 years (1985-2004) for 33 sites spatially distributed over the country. The method employed for the estimation of the decay potential is primarily the widely used Scheffer index. The estimated decay potential at the examined sites and its spatial distribution over the country are discussed, while its correlation with the climatic data is investigated. A map depicting the spatial distribution of the relative decay potential in Greece is produced. According to the classification proposed by Scheffer, most of the sites belong to the "low decay potential" category; more severe conditions prevail at a few sites in western Greece. Additionally, an estimation of the decay potential at the studied sites is attempted via another approach, i.e., climatic dose-based, where two existing dose-response models are applied. In the context of this approach, which is based on, among others, the moisture content and temperature of wood, the contribution of air relative humidity to the investigated decay potential is also taken into consideration. The differences among the estimations produced by different methods for the decay potential in Greece, as well as the sensitivity of the results to various climatic factors for a relatively warm climate such as that of Greece, are analyzed. Furthermore, indications derived for the temporal trend of the decay potential at the examined sites are presented.