Effects of Hurricane Andrew on Coastal and Interior Forests of Southern Florida: Overview and Synthesis
Armentano TV, Doren RF, Platt WJ, Mullins T. 1995. Effects of Hurricane Andrew on Coastal and Interior Forests of Southern Florida: Overview and Synthesis. Journal of Coastal Research (JCR). (Special Issue No. 21):111-144
This paper documents effects of Hurricane Andrew nearly two years after the severe storm crossed southern Florida. Within tree stands, the heaviest damage occurred among mangroves and pines. Cypress domes experienced relatively little damage, and while tropical hardwood hammocks suffered initial destruction, mortality averaged only 11%, with vigorous regrowth (not necessarily of the same plant species, however). Exotic tree stands recovered quickly, and may find opportunity to spread in the post-storm conditions. Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, and Biscayne National Park were all in the path of the hurricane, and this paper includes black-and-white photographs (taken before and after the storm) of some areas within the parks. It also describes individual types of forested habitat both before and after. The report raises the possibility that response of these areas to the storm may be conditioned to some extent by previous human intervention (fires, logging).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Armentano, Thomas; Doren, Robert; Platt, William; Mullins, Troy
- Units
- BICY , BISC , EVER
- Keywords
- Ecology, Environmental Impact, Exotic Species, Forest, Habitats, Hurricanes, Impacts, Trees