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Change in forest structure in the boreal montane ecosystem of Mount Mitchell, North Carolina 1
Author(s) -
Bruck R. I.,
Robarge W. P.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
european journal of forest pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.535
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1439-0329
pISSN - 0300-1237
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0329.1988.tb00223.x
Subject(s) - montane ecology , boreal , taiga , ecosystem , ecology , spring (device) , boreal ecosystem , environmental science , geography , physical geography , forestry , biology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Surveys were undertaken on Mt. Mitchell, N. C. (USA) from Spring 1984 through 1987 to determine the extent and rate of decline and mortality of red spruce and Fraser fir ecosystems. Data indicate that regardless of cause and effect mechanisms the physical structure and integrity of the boreal montane forest has greatly deteriorated over the past 4 years. Along ridges, and particularly on west facing aspects greater than 80% of all mature stands are dead. No definitive conclusions can be made concerning etiological agents; however, current hypotheses include biotic factors, climatic abberations, and/or the acute or chronic stress from anthropogenic pollutants.