Structure, function and dynamics of transitions between plant communities

Boundary structure affects flows of energy, material and organisms across transitions between adjacent ecosystems on the landscape. Differences in the characteristics of edges including structue may depend on factors such as forest type or the type and age of edge. My research program includes studies on the structure, dynamics and function of natural forest edges. Research will be conducted near Churchill, Manitoba and in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. My short term projects include a comparison of forest edges of different structure in different types of forest, an investigation of the process of deadwood decomposition at forest edges and the establishment of permanent plots to investigate temporal dynamics of boundaries. The proposed research will provide insight into how boundary structure affects patterns and processes at forest edges, evaluate older fire edges as a reservoir for deadwood on the landscape and initiate important long-term research on the temporal dynamics of natural boundaries. Results from these studies will contribute towards my long-term goal of developing an analytical model that predicts the effects of stand and landscape-level charactistics on boundary structure and function. An understanding of the landscape patterns and processes is important as a context within which to assess the impact of forest management practices, hydroelectric development and climate change. This knowledge will greatly advance the field of landscape ecology which currently lacks specific information on natural edges. Canada will benefit from a greater understanding of landscape patterns and processes in the boreal forest, especially as it relates to sustainable forest management and climate change.