Pilot project on disturbance dynamics. Documentation of natural processes in the Gesäuse National Park.

Associated persons Vanessa Berger, Michael Jungmeier, Hanns Kirchmeir, Corinna Hecke
Clients Nationalpark Gesäuse
Regions Austria
Year 2019

Due to the exceptional relief energies in the Gesäuse National Park, many natural processes are characterised by complex disturbance dynamics that determine life forms, growth patterns and species populations. These were studied in the years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020 using the example of an avalanche system, a river system, a wind-edge turf, a windthrow area and a bark beetle area. Based on a theoretical concept, an attempt was made to describe the disturbance dynamics by means of a vegetation-ecological terrain survey in combination with UAV aerial photographs and a comprehensive analysis of the collected data. The patterns of the vegetation communities occurring in the system can be represented in a spatial and temporal context with the disturbance regime.