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Upper burn site

Regeneration

Here I compare burned and unburned (called “original”)

 

 

Using a video image from January 2000, I am able to see what the site looked like before it burned and compare it with present (March 2004)

(see below)

The 2000 image I interpret as having more or less uniform coverage across the upper intertidal shore zone (left to right using arrows – which are also reference points)

The small tufts I suggest are Fucus and these not so prominent in 2004)

 

Same site before and 4 years later compared

March 21, 2004

 

Signs of ‘recent’ disturbance

From the Regen area

There are scattered, smallish Fucus plants, some with a green epiphyte (Ulothrix); following the crack upwards we see some small “Mastocarpus” blades. Both take time to return – the epiphyte on Fucus I interpret as meaning the plant is at least 2 years old – the small Mastocarpus is maybe one year old.

The Ulva is a weedy green algae which often associated with recent disturbances.

Note the Balanus barnacles are uniform size and many are “empty” (the barnacle has died). The even age is also sign of disturbance

 

Mastocarpus in cracks

For what ever reason the regenerated red algae: Mastocarpus as here but also Endocladia are often seen in cracks or fissures --- perhaps cooler, damper and protected from direct sunlight.

But

 

 

Healthier looking

This “original” is just off the upper side of the “regen” site – the barnacles are mostly alive and not even aged. The Porphyra blades growing on them contrasts with the regen site

The Blidingia is probably weedy and may have arrived after the burn cleared the site

 

 

Created by LG Wednesday, March 24, 2004