Causes and Consequences of Spatial Variation in Initial Post Fire Succession in the Yellowstone Landscape

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ABSTRACT PROPOSAL # : DEB-9806440 INVESTIGATOR(S) : TURNER INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN The 1998 Yellowstone fires affected over 250,000 ha, creating a mosaic of burn severity over the landscape that may influence ecosystem processes for decades or centuries to come. This study will develop quantitive predictions of postfire successional pathways and their consequences for ecosystem function across the Yellowstone landscape. The principal methods to be used are mapping and monitoring of permanent plots, combined with sophisticated spatial analysis and measurements of leaf area and net primary productivity. The focus is on variability within and among the major ecosystems of the Yellowstone landscape, and on variability in their responses to a large, common disturbance. The study will also contribute to understanding of potential effects of different fire regimes resulting from either management or climate change.