skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Interactive effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on growth and physiology of southern red spruce

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5394561

Field and laboratory studies are underway to characterize physiologial changes associated with the decline of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) at high elevations in the Great Smocky Mountains National Park. Two research plots have been established on Clingman's Dome at 1720 m and 1935 m elevations to document the magnitude of growth changes at sites experiencing varying degrees of growth decline and to explore the physiological basis of observed differences. The objective is to evaluate likely mechanisms of action and identify natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the observed growth patterns. Field measurements include historical and current radial growth of mature trees and saplings, and seasonal patterns of carbon assimilation, carbon allocation, and water relations of saplings. Laboratory experiments include dose response exposures with H/sub 2/O/sub 2/, toxicity screening studies with Al, Mn, and Ca, and characterization of the foliar uptake and metabolism of nitrogen oxides. 9 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Phyton Technologies, Oak Ridge, TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5394561
Report Number(s):
CONF-8710247-1; ON: DE88003766
Resource Relation:
Conference: Research symposium on the effects of atmospheric pollution in spruce and fir forests in the Eastern United States and the Federal Republic of Germany, Burlington, VT, USA, 19 Oct 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English