Catastrophic Disturbance, Patch Dynamics and Recovery in Old-Growth Forest

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The occurrence of a Class F4 "devastating tornado" in the old-growth forest of the Tionesta Scenic Area provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of catastrophic wind disturbance on forest regeneration. Such events, although critical to the organization of mesic broadleaved forest, have been studied only rarely, particularly in old-growth forest. It is proposed that castastrophic wind disturbance in old-growth forest should produce much patchiness, which will have a lasting effect on regeneration. The patchiness at several scales, including the previously unstudied fine scale on which plants become established and first interact will be measured. How the patterns of patches change will be determined in close spatial and temporal detail and their biological significance, using both environmental measurement and experimental modification of patches will be evaluated. Although the details of patchiness and regeneration are likely to be unique to each disturbance and site, this research will provide a mechanistic basis for generalization about catastrophic disturbances.