Len Webb Ecological Images Collection

Image No. 4-18

Disturbance -- Cyclones Cyclones are a significant ecological factor in rainforest vegetation patterns South of Cairns, Queensland March 1956 Larger image (83K)

Leaves of tree crowns are damaged and become yellow before falling, resembling autumn colourings - an anomalous phenology in the tropics! Some species remain evergreen, and scattered trees of certain species are blown down to initiate canopy gap successions. Trees in gullies and on protected aspects are not affected. Canopy trees at higher altitudes which are streamlined by constant south-easterly and rotary winds also escape damage.
Aerial view of recently damaged tropical wet lowland rainforests (mainly complex mesophyll vine forests) on ridges and spurs of foothills at lower altitudes; coastal plain cleared for sugar-cane cultivation.
Reference:
Webb, L.J. (1958) "Cyclones as an ecological factor in tropical lowland rain forest, North Queensland". Australian Journal of Botany Vol. 6: 220-228.

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