Item: A Review of Avalanche Ecology: Forest Habitat Structure and Wildlife Biodiversity
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Title: A Review of Avalanche Ecology: Forest Habitat Structure and Wildlife Biodiversity
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Kelly Muller [ Prescott College, Prescott, AZ, USA ]
- Philip Straub [ Prescott College, Prescott, AZ, USA ] [ Alaska Pacific University, Palmer, AK, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanches are significant drivers of natural processes in mountain ecosystems. This study reviews previous research on the effects of avalanches to the structure and biodiversity of mountain ecosystems. Avalanches shape the landscape, thus habitat and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Avalanche chutes and debris provide important habitat for plants, insects and both aquatic and terrestrial animals. They shape the vegetation mosaic of an area, as well as the survival, growth rate and forms of trees. Trees affect the snowpack, thus influencing the frequency of avalanches. Avalanche debris can impact bark beetle outbreaks and forest fires, acting as fuel or firebreaks. Avalanches play a critical role in mountain ecology, and must be considered when managing avalanche prone forests.
Object ID: ISSW16_P4.52.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Mountain ecosystems, forest structure, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, bark beetle (Coleopter:Scolytidae), vegetation mosaic
Page Number(s): 1389-1391
Subjects: biodiversity avalanches mountain ecosystems
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