Spatial patterns of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in two sequoia groves in Sequoia National Park, California

Canadian Journal of Forest Research
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Abstract

Although Muir Grove and Castle Creek Grove are similar in area, elevation, and number of giant sequoias, various spatial pattern analysis techniques showed that they had dissimilar spatial patterns for similar-sized trees. Two-dimensional and transect two-term local quadrat variance techniques detected general trends in the spatial patterns of different-sized trees, detected multiple-scale patterns within individual size classes, and provided information on the scale and intensity of patches of individual size classes of trees in Muir and Castle Creek groves. In Muir Grove, midsized sequoias (1.5 to 2.4 m DBH classes) had major pattern scales 350–450 m in diameter, whereas the same-sized trees in Castle Creek Grove had pattern scales >1000 m in diameter. Many size classes of trees had minor patches superimposed on larger scale patterns in both groves. There may be different recruitment patterns in core (i.e., central) areas compared with peripheral areas of sequoia groves; core areas of both groves had more small live sequoias and dead sequoias than peripheral areas of the groves. Higher densities of sequoias and, perhaps, more rapid turnover of individuals in core areas may indicate (i) differences in disturbance histories and favorability of microsites in the core and peripheral areas of groves; (ii) different responses to disturbance due to shifts in the species composition of the stand and thus, the relative influences of intra- to inter-specific competition; or (iii) slower growth or lower survivorship rates in marginal habitat (i.e., peripheral areas).
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spatial patterns of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in two sequoia groves in Sequoia National Park, California
Series title Canadian Journal of Forest Research
DOI 10.1139/x93-019
Volume 23
Issue 2
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher National Research Council
Publisher location Ottawa
Description 13 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Canadian Journal of Forest Research
First page 120
Last page 132
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Sequoia National Park
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