Effects of catastrophic wind disturbance on formation of forest patch mosaic structure on the western and southern slopes of Changbai Mountain

In the cold temperate zone of western and southern slopes Changbai Mountain, Betula ermanii Cham. forest, Picea jezoensis (Siebold & Zucc.) Carrière mixed forests B. P. are heterogeneously distributed in a mosaic patches, reason for this formation is still unclear. August 1986, typhoon disturbed on forming large number forest gaps. After more than 30 years vegetation succession, patches wind-stricken areas obvious. To reveal effects catastrophic wind patch structure these forests, study was carried out Mountain. Vegetation differences were classified according to degree damage by status restoration investigated, as well soil fertility determined. The results show that caused not homogeneous, there significant community composition areas. restoration, some damaged have been enhanced. heterogeneity due both difference succession vegetation. There strong correlation between fertility, variation strengthens Therefore, it can be inferred several disasters may occur history, which resulted from shrub herb then slopes. This pattern disturbance formed distribution