Puerto Rico: Tropical Secondary Forest Dynamics

In collaboration with Dr. Maria Uriarte and Ms. Tanja Crk (Columbia University) and Dr. Jess Zimmerman (University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras)

    This work entails long-term monitoring of secondary forest dynamics across a land use and soil chronosequence. Plots were established in Luquillo and Carite in 1995/1996 and have been recensused in 2000 and 2007. Primary research questions are determining the impact of periodic cyclonic (hurricane) disturbance on forest dynamics and recovery of biodiversity, with a focus on plant diversity.