Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Gibson, David J.
• Ely, Joseph S.
• Looney, Paul B.
• Gibson, Paul T.

Titel

Effects of Inundation from the Storm Surge of Hurricane Andrew upon Primary Succession on Dredge Spoil

Ist Teil von

• Journal of coastal research, 1995-04, p.208-216

Ort / Verlag

Coastal Education & Research Foundation (CERF)

Erscheinungsjahr

1995

Quelle

Free E-Journal (出版社公開部分のみ）

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• The effect of inundation by storm surge generated by Hurricane Andrew on the abundance of the dominant species colonizing dredge spoil deposited on Perdido Key, Florida following massive beach nourishment is reported. Seedlings of Uniola paniculata were less abundant on the dredge spoil following inundation associated with the hurricane than at any time before, suggesting mortality due to salt stress. However, seedlings of Panicum amarum increased in density following inundation. The density of adult plants of Uniola paniculata, Oenothera humifusa, and Iva imbricata was lower following inundation indicating mortality of previously established plants. The first colonizing species on the dredge spoil, Cakile constricta, had been declining in abundance prior to the hurricane. However, its abundance increased substantially above old mean high water following the hurricane, albeit for a short time. This suggests that the flood sheet dispersed propagules of this species, that inundation favored germination and the overall successional status of this species was rejuvenated. Species richness per unit area declined following the hurricane and the cumulative rate of species dispersal onto the dredge spoil reached a steady state. These findings indicate that new species were prevented from colonizing the dredge spoil for a period of time following the hurricane. Storm surge inundation from Hurricane Andrew slowed the rate of primary succession by decreasing the abundance of the prevailing dominant species on the dredge spoil. The effects of Hurricane Andrew on the vegetation have provided a greater understanding of the dynamics of abiotic processes affecting beach nourishment.