Doctoral Dissertation Research: Barrier Island Morphology and Dune Vegetation Pattern and Process in the Georgia Embayment

本论文的研究将扩展概念框架，通过该框架，学者们试图了解干扰机制和环境梯度在构建植被格局时的复杂相互作用。这项研究将在美国东南部大西洋海岸的障碍岛上进行，以评估两个过程在沙丘植被结构中的相对贡献：(1)形成跨岛地带性格局的横向环境梯度，以及(2)由机械作用引发的干扰相关斑块动态，例如与沿海风暴期间的溢流有关的斑块动态。后者被认为中断了前者，从而创造了更复杂和多样化的植物组合的可能性。将根据在广泛的实地运动中收集的信息来检验几个具体的假设。结果将为生态动力学文献提供信息，并为那些寻求保护、恢复和发展海岸系统的人提供有价值的管理信息。

This dissertation research will extend the conceptual framework by which scholars seek to understand the complex interplay between disturbance regime and environmental gradients in structuring vegetation patterns. The study will be conducted on the barrier islands of the southeastern US Atlantic coast in order to assess the relative contributions of two processes in structuring dune vegetation: (1) transverse environmental gradients that shape cross-island zonation patterns, and (2) disturbance-related patch dynamics initiated by mechanical actions such as those associated with overwash during coastal storms. The latter are thought to interrupt the former, thereby creating the potential for more complex and diverse plant assemblages. Several specific hypotheses will be tested on the basis of information collected during extensive field campaigns. Results will inform both the ecological dynamics literature as well as providing valuable management information for those seeking to protect, restore, and develop coastal systems.