Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Amy E. Hessl
Abstract
Surface mining disturbs thousands of hectares of forest every year in the Appalachian region resulting in the creation of forest edges. In this study, variability in air temperature and moisture, soil temperature and moisture, photosynthetically active radiation and wind velocity are quantified for open, edge and interior environments of reclaimed surface mines in north central West Virginia. Tree species composition, soil pH and compaction were also examined. Mean daily air and soil temperature, wind velocity and photosynthetically active radiation are lower, and soil and air moisture higher inside the forest than in the open or at the edge. Soil temperature, pH and compaction levels were consistently higher in open areas. Native invasive tree species are more common at the edge than in the interior. Future reclamation efforts should consider changes to the entire landscape, including changes at forest edges, if the spatial pattern of native species diversity is to be maintained.
Recommended Citation
Kazar, Sheila A., "Surface mines as landscape features: Contrasting microclimate and forest composition among open, edge and interior." (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 11054.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11054