Comparative Study of Composition and Distribution Patterns of Subalpine Forests in the Balsam Mountains of Southwest Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains
Rheinhardt RD. 1984. Comparative Study of Composition and Distribution Patterns of Subalpine Forests in the Balsam Mountains of Southwest Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. 111(4):489-493
ABSTRACT: The vegetation of subalpine forests in the southwestern Virginia Balsam Mountains (Mount Rogers and Whitetop) was examined and compared to that of similar forests in the Great Smoky Mountains. Differences in latitude and longitude were considered in comparing zonal distribution patterns. The spruce-fir (Picea rubens-Abies fraseri) forest on Mount Rogers is similar in composition and distribution to those of the Great Smokies at equivalent elevations. In contrast to Mount Rogers, subalpine forests on Whitetop are devoid of fir, although the upper 158 m seem environmentally suitable for its growth. It is believed that during the post-Wisconsin xerothermic period, fir was eliminated from Whitetop but found refuge on the taller Mount Rogers. Although fir has been able to extend its range downward since the xerothermic period, it has been unable to cross the relatively low elevation gap separating the two mountains. Spruce forests, which might be expected to cover slopes between 1190 m and 1525 m in the Virginia Balsams, do not extend below 1430 m. This seemingly truncated distribution may be a result of past human disturbance, but no substantive evidence is available. The future structure of aphid-infested spruce-fir forests in the southern Appalachians may be predicted by examining the spruce forests on Whitetop, particularly at those elevations which are suitable for the development of spruce-fir.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Rheinhardt, Richard
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Abiesfraseri, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, Picea rubens, SER, Southeast Region, southern Appalachians, vegetation, xerothermic period, zonal distribution