Wind Damage and Salinity Effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Coastal Baldcypress Forests of Louisiana
Doyle TW, Conner WH, Day RH, Krauss KW, Swarenski CM. 2005. Wind Damage and Salinity Effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Coastal Baldcypress Forests of Louisiana
The frequency of hurricane landfall in a given coastal stretch may play a more important role in the ecology of coastal forests than previously thought because of direct and indirect impacts of fallen trees and the introduction of salt water that lingers long after the storm passes. Findings show that surge events can inundate interior freshwater forests many miles from the coast and elevate soil salinities twofold to threefold. These elevated salinities may contribute to delayed mortality of certain tree species and set the stage for eventual forest decline and dieback.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Doyle, Thomas; Conner, William; Day, Richard; Krauss, Ken; Swarenski, Christopher
- Date of Issue
- 2005
- Units
- JELA
- Keywords
- baldcypress forests, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, JELA, Louisiana, Salinity, wind damage