Influence of typhoon disturbances on the understory light regime and stand dynamics of a subtropical rain forest in northeastern Taiwan

Abstract

in much higher light levels beneath the canopy (9%-30% of levels in the open) than those found in most tropical and temperate forests. As a result, understory light levels are not limiting the distribution of canopy tree saplings within the forest and there is no evidence that canopy gaps play an important role in canopy tree regeneration within the Fushan Experiment Forest. This is in contrast with the pattern reported for some tropical forests. With frequent typhoons impacting northeastern Taiwan, the forests of this region are perpetually recovering from wind disturbances.

Deposition pattern of precipitation and throughfall in a subtropical evergreen forest in south-central China

“…The subtropical monsoon climate of Hunan is typifi ed by cold winters and hot summers, abundant but unevenly distributed rainfall, and high relative humidity, which is similar to Fu-shan Experimental Forest in Taiwan (Lin et al 2001). However, the Fu-shan forest has high variabilities in atmospheric chemistry and precipitation deposition pattern as a result of typhoon disturbances and the coastal climate (Lin et al 2003). We hypothesize that Shaoshan forest may experience a distinct seasonal pattern in atmospheric deposition and throughfall due to the seasonality and the uneven distribution of precipitation.…”

Remote sensing assessment of forest damage in relation to the 1996 strong typhoon Herb at Lienhuachi Experimental Forest, Taiwan

“…Studies at Fushan also indicate resilience. For example, understory light levels returned to pre-storm levels within 1 year of typhoon Herb (Lin et al, 2003b).…”

“…Consequently, much of our understanding of tropical cycloneforest interaction comes from studies on the most intense cyclone events such as the 1989 hurricane Hugo in Puerto Rico (Walker, 1991) and the 1938 hurricane in northeastern United States (Foster, 1988). However, it has long been recognized that the characteristics of each storm, including its track (Loope et al, 1994) and timing (Lin et al, 2003b) have major effects on hurricane impact. Studies have also illustrated that the impact of a hurricane differs considerably among different types of forest stands, such as natural forests versus even-aged conifer stands (e.g.…”

Diversity and phytogeography of vascular epiphytes in a tropical–subtropical transition island, Taiwan

“…On average, five typhoons hit Taiwan each year (data from 1958 to 2007, Central Weather Bureau). Typhoons may have a dramatic impact on forest canopies and cause understory light levels to increase to 30% of outside levels (Lin et al, 2003). Similarly, low epiphyte diversity in Puerto Rico has been attributed to island isolation and large-scale hurricane disturbances (Migenis and Ackerman, 1993).…”