Disturbance and riparian tree establishment in the Sespe Wilderness, California, USA

摘要: The riparian forests of southern California are subject to disturbance by both fire and flood. These agents capable causing pulses mortality recruitment, but it remains unclear how they interact determine patterns stand development. We use dendrochronology identify establishment dates for stems major tree species in the Sespe Creek watershed, order examine their relationship regional flooding history. Our 11 study sites were burned fires 1932 2002, with a smaller 1975 affecting only two sites; floods concentrated within second half 1933–2009 streamflow record, largest occurring 1969, 1978, 1983. Three periods development evident: (1) oldest alder (Alnus), cottonwood (Populus), oak (Quercus) became established soon after Matilija Fire, (2) minimal stem between 1940s mid-1960s, (3) continued, although irregular, recruitment al...