Decline of red spruce in the northern Appalachians: assessing the possible role of acid deposition

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Tappi; (United States)

OSTI ID:5435555

Johnson, A H; Siccama, T G

High-elevation spruce-fir forests of the eastern US receive particularly high rates of acidic deposition (up to 4 keq of H/sup +//ha/yr), vegetation is exposed to highly acidic cloud moisture for up to 2000 h/yr, and very high levels of trace metals have accumulated. Red spruce (Picea rubens) in the northern Appalachians have died in abnormally large numbers over the past two decades without obvious cause. Considerable attention has been focused on the possible role of acid deposition in the decline. Several plausible mechanisms have been offered by a variety of researchers, but to confirm any of these mechanisms requires additional research. 31 references, 6 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• OSTI ID: 5435555
• Journal Information: Tappi; (United States), Journal Name: Tappi; (United States) Vol. 67:1; ISSN TAPPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DEATH
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION I
FORESTS
GROWTH
INHIBITION
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
RAIN
SPRUCES
TREES
USA