Wind

Wind as an ecological factor acts in two ways. At moderate to low speed it has an indirect action by affecting the intensity of, for example, physiological processes. For plants, subtle winds, for example, modify the temperature of plants and other organisms. Transpiration can be increased, as well as carbon dioxide transport to plants, which stimulates photosynthesis (Chapter 5). At higher wind speeds the mechanical impact on the ecosystem is of particular interest for the dynamics of the ecosystem.

Disturbances are a major factor influencing the species composition of ecosystems – wind is no exception (Pickett & White 1985). Extremely high wind speeds usually occur on sea coasts and in mountains. Lowlands may also experience extreme situations or catastrophic events such as tornados and hurricanes. Forests close to the coast in wind-exposed situations are always suppressed and further inland the height increases. The trees lean in the prevailing wind direction. The wind also transports salt, which is deposited on the leaves and has a negative effect on the vegetation. In mountains the wind, together with temperature and snow cover, determines the level of the tree limit.