Climate sensitivity and drought seasonality determine post-drought growth recovery of Quercus petraea and Quercus robur in Europe

Recent studies have identified strong relationships between delayed recovery of tree growth after drought and mortality caused by subsequent droughts. These observations raise concerns about forest ecosystem services post-drought given the projected increase in frequency extremes. For quantifying impact extreme droughts on radial growth, we used a network tree-ring width data 1689 trees from 100 sites representing most distribution two tolerant, deciduous oak species (Quercus petraea Quercus robur). We first examined which climatic factors seasons control if there is any latitudinal, longitudinal or elevational trend. then quantified relative departure pre-drought during droughts, how fast were able to recover level. Our results showed that was more related precipitation water balance (precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration) than temperature. However, did not detect clear trends except decreasing influence summer Q. with latitude. Neither maintain level both rapid even compensation but displayed slow response spring where none fully growth-level over three years. Collectively, our indicate oaks are considered resilient also shown vulnerability when occurred especially at long-term significantly correlated factors. This improved understanding role seasonality climate sensitivity key better predict trajectories drier for Europe.