Date of Award

Fall 1977

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Program/Concentration

Biology

Committee Director

Gerald F. Levy

Committee Member

Lytton J. Mussleman

Committee Member

Harold G. Marshall

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.B46 T95

Abstract

A unique series of interdunal depressions was recognized on the barrier dune system of southeastern Virginia. Plant distribution and succession, and environmental factors controlling them, were studied in the series. Plant community distribution appears to be predominantly controlled by soil moisture, interspecific competition, and feral hog disturbance. Both biotic and physiographic succession are apparent with Quercus virginiana probably climax for both. Salt spray and feral hog and migratory waterfowl activity are important controlling factors of plant succession. Results indicate that the zonal appearance of shrubs and trees on the Virginia and North Carolina coasts is due to the absence of arborescent forms in medium to high salt spray areas because of their intolerance to salt spray. Evidence suggest that soil moisture deficiency is a major factor in determining perennial foredune constituents and that foredune-grass, shrub, and tree zones are not progressive seral stages on stable or degrading sea coasts.

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DOI

10.25777/fww0-dd06

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