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Tropical Rain Forest Structure, Tree Growth and Dynamics along a 2700-m Elevational Transect in Costa Rica

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  • David B Clark
  • Johanna Hurtado
  • Sassan S Saatchi

Abstract

Rapid biological changes are expected to occur on tropical elevational gradients as species migrate upslope or go extinct in the face of global warming. We established a series of 9 1-ha plots in old-growth tropical rainforest in Costa Rica along a 2700 m relief elevational gradient to carry out long-term monitoring of tropical rain forest structure, dynamics and tree growth. Within each plot we mapped, identified, and annually measured diameter for all woody individuals with stem diameters >10 cm for periods of 3-10 years. Wood species diversity peaked at 400-600 m and decreased substantially at higher elevations. Basal area and stem number varied by less than two-fold, with the exception of the 2800 m cloud forest summit, where basal area and stem number were approximately double that of lower sites. Canopy gaps extending to the forest floor accounted for

Suggested Citation

  • David B Clark & Johanna Hurtado & Sassan S Saatchi, 2015. "Tropical Rain Forest Structure, Tree Growth and Dynamics along a 2700-m Elevational Transect in Costa Rica," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(4), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0122905
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122905
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