Late Succession Forest and Storms

The scores on this component (factor) were high and positive when both storm intensity and storm frequency were low and scores were most negative under conditions of high storm frequency and intensity. However frequency was much more important than intensity. Under a high frequency regime, the model predicts total biomass of the forest is high as are leaf area index and basal area. Pioneering species are reduced in importance and mature forest species dominant. Under low storm frequency the Tabonuco forest Luquillo become late succession forests. Stormy times favor an early succession forest stage.