Methods for Mapping Forest Sensitivity to Acid Deposition for Northeastern North America

Abstract

For comparison purposes, two methods are proposed for mapping sustainable acid deposition within the context of natural and managed (harvested) forest biomass growth in Northeastern North America. One method uses existing geospatial data for forest cover type, soil type, local climate, topography, and atmospheric deposition. The other method uses data specific to well-studied sites. Maps will be developed that show the spatial distributions of sustainable acid deposition rates by tree type, eco-unit, and local forest disturbance regimes (by harvest method). Additional maps will be produced to show where these rates are likely exceeded, and by how much. The information so generated will be presented to policy and decision makers who deal with forest health and abatement control measures regarding regional sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) emissions.