Abstract
Tropical cyclones are common disturbances that have strong effects on mangrove composition and structure. Because there are numerous ecosystem services provided by mangroves, it is important to understand their adaptations and responses to these climatic events. In April 2004, Typhoon Sudal, a category 3–4 cyclone, passed over the state of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. For four months following the typhoon we measured forest structure, above-ground biomass, tree mortality and response in six mangroves. The sites were dominated by species common in mangroves throughout the Indo-Pacific—Sonneratia alba, Brugueira gymnorrhiza, and Rhizophora apiculata. Total above-ground biomass (TAGB) of mangrove forests ranged from 211–573 Mg ha-1. Tree mortality ranged from 6% to 32% among stands. Adaptations and responses to the typhoon varied by species, as well as by geographic location. Sonneratia alba had a higher frequency of mainstems broken (26%), but was the only species that vigorously sprouted from dormant basal or epicormic tissues. Standing live trees accounted for 80–95% of TAGB, suggesting that adaptations of mangrove trees can facilitate the persistence of an intact forest structure following typhoons of this intensity. Climatic changes such as sea level rise and increased severity of cyclonic events could alter this relationship.
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Acknowledgments
Margie Falanruw provided valuable assistance in the field and with logistics. Mychal Tetteh assisted in the field, and Janice Haraguchi determined the specific gravity of the downed wood. We are grateful to the Yap Division of Agriculture and the people of Yap for their cooperation and assistance in allowing us to work in their forests and mangroves and providing us with valuable information on Typhoon Sudal. We are especially grateful to Pius Liyagel, Francis Ruegorong, Charlie Gilgaayan, Godfrey Chochol, Kevin Sog, Joe Fanafal, James Lukan, John Tun, Steven Mar, Raymond, John Libiy, and Tom Tamangmow. Without their wisdom and assistance in the field, this project would not have been possible. We thank Dan Donato for earlier reviews of this paper. The study was funded from the USDA Forest Service, PSW Research Station and the USDA Forest Service International Programs.
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Kauffman, J.B., Cole, T.G. Micronesian Mangrove Forest Structure and Tree Responses to a Severe Typhoon. Wetlands 30, 1077–1084 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0114-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0114-y