Wind Damage and Salinity Effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Coastal Baldcypress Forests of Louisiana

Authors

William Conner, Clemson UniversityFollow
Thomas W. Doyle
Richard H. Day
Ken W. Krauss
Christopher M. Swarzenski

Publication Date

2007

Publisher

U.S. Geological Survey

Abstract

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.

Comments

Credit: U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior/USGS

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Recommended Citation

Conner, William; Doyle, Thomas W.; Day, Richard H.; Krauss, Ken W.; and Swarzenski, Christopher M., "Wind Damage and Salinity Effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Coastal Baldcypress Forests of Louisiana" (2007). Publications. 12.
https://open.clemson.edu/ag_pubs/12