Repetition of vegetation and rejuvenation over large-area lawinar forest clearing corridors (Tamischbach Tower, Gesäuse)

The repetitions of vegetation, rejuvenation and forest structure in the avalanche channels Brett and Hochkar show that avalanches are a very differentiated pattern leave different interference intensities. Depending on the frequency and intensity of the disturbance, the succession processes are reset over and over again. By the various forms of Succession areas and the high proportion of dead wood result in important habitats for a wide variety of animal and plant species. The aim of the repeated study was to assess the vegetation composition, natural regeneration and forest structure in avalanche affected sites. The result showed that avalanches cause a spatially very differentiated pattern with different disturbance intensities. The diverse character of the succession areas and the high proportion of deadwood create also important habitats for a wide variety of animal and plant species.