| This study examined Hurricane Katrina damage in southeast Mississippi to identify stand and site characteristics that may contribute to wind-related damage. Aggregated forest plot-level biometrics were coupled with storm meteorology, topographical features, and soil attributes using GIS techniques to produce damage maps for specific tree species. Regression Tree Analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between damage type and distance variables (distance to coast/storm track). Results indicated that the total damage class had the greatest relationship with distance variables; individual damage classes (shear and blowdown) displayed a better relationship with stand-level variables (Quadratic Mean Diameter, Lorey's Mean Height, Trees Per Hectare). Logistic regressions identified a negative relationship between damage and height variation, elevation, slope, and aspect and a positive relationship with TPH. For plots/stands nearest to the coast and storm track height variation, TPH, QMD, and LMH consistently predicted damage levels for most species examined. |
