Definitions (1 point) and pairs of terms to compare-contrast (2 points each):
Below is a list of terms and pairs of terms that we have discussed in the course.
Be able to define each. On the exam, some terms will be presented as pairs to compare and contrast or to
explain how they are related.
Disturbance
Abiotic disturbance
Biotic disturbance
Direct disturbance
Indirect disturbance
Exogenous disturbance
Endogenous disturbance
Weather
Climate
Temperature
Heat
Relative humidity
Dew point
Air pressure
Winds
Pressure gradient force
Coriolis effect
Friction force
Environmental lapse rate
Adiabatic warming and cooling
Dry and moist adiabatic lapse rate
Precipitation
Orographic lifiting
Convergent lifting
Convective lifting
Frontal lifting
Wind
Gust
Extratropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone (hurricane, typhoon)
Thunderstorm
Tornado
Downburst
Atmospheric rivers (pineapple express)
Temperature inversion
Snow
Sleet
Freezing rain
Diaheliotropic
Paraheliotropic
Xeromorphic leaves
Drought-deciduous leaves
Phreatophytes
Ephemerals
Interpretation and Integration of Concepts. Five of these 20 questions will be on the exam.
I will select questions that provide broad coverage of the lectures to date.
Each answer will be worth 5 points and should take no more than 10 minutes.
Remember, you can use point form to be concise and to conserve time during the exam.
1. Describe the four dimensions of a disturbance event, for example the wind storm in Stanley Park.
2. After the 2006 windstorm in Stanley Park, what measures were taken to (a) stabilize the remaining trees, (b) manage
fuels, (c) promote forest regeneration, and (d) protect other values? How did management after the 1962 and 2006
windstorms differ?
3. Use the concepts of orographic uplift and adiabatic warming/cooling to explain why climate is cool and rainy in coastal
British Columbia but warm and dry in the valley bottoms in the interior.
4. Using a climograph for Vancouver or Penticton or Fort Nelson (a climograph would be provided; see the weather +
climate review), explain the temperature and precipitation regime. Consider: temperature and its drivers, humidity,
winds and storms, precipitation and types of uplift.
5. In the northern hemisphere, how do extratropical storms form and persist? Explain what happens when they move
onshore from the ocean?
6. “Tree design is a compromise between peripheral flexibility and core stability.” Explain how this fact makes trees well
adapted to wind, snow and ice loads.
7. Name the forces that contribute to trees being blown down by wind. What factors contribute to these forces and how
do trees resists them?
8. Compare (e.g. similarities) and contrast (e.g. differences) how trees are adapted to wind loading versus snow loading?
9. What are the symptoms and consequences of wind damage.
10. Briefly explain the three broad approaches to windthrow prediction.
11. How do cutblock design and retention of trees affect windthrow risk?
12. Where, when and why do you expect the coldest temperatures in British Columbia?
13. In cool temperate climates, when are plants most susceptible to cold? Why?
14. What is the difference between winter and summer cold hardiness? Why are roots less cold hardy than shoots?
Briefly explain an example in which root susceptibility to cold has been a serious ecological problem.
15. At the tree and stand levels, how would you differentiate damaged caused by wind versus frost versus drought?
16. Imagine a forested landscape with rolling terrain in which ridges alternate with valleys. Where would you expect the
coldest temperatures and most frequent frosts? Why would seedlings be more likely to be damaged than mature
trees?
17. When managing forests, overstory trees are often retained. Why is this beneficial to reduce damage from cold and
heat? Is tree retention also beneficial for managing wind, snow and ice? Explain.
18. How do site quality, thinning and fertilizing affect the potential for trees to be damaged by snow and ice? How might
you manage to reduce the chance of snow and ice damage?
19. Highlight the differences in the synoptic weather patterns associated with a) extratropical storms, b) wind storms, and
c) hot dry summers.
20. Seedlings are more susceptible to heat damage than mature trees. Why? Think broadly and apply the concepts from
class!