Expert opinion survey on the impacts of air pollutants on forests of the USA : Air Pollution and Forest Decline. 14th International Meeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems

1989

S. 355-360

2 Abb., 2 Tab., 8 Lit. Ang., En, Zfsg. En

Unselbständiges Werk

200034709

A panel of experts was surveyed to obtain subjective estimates of the current impact of five air pollutants (SO2, NOx, O3, H2SO4, and forests of the continental U.S. for later input to economic analysis. Results from the first two of three questionnaaires are discussed. Estimates of impact were highly variable amount pnelists (CV's near 100 %), but identify forest types at risk. Southern California conifers and heigh elevation spruce-fir were perceived most damaged with 10 and 12 % median growth reductions. Southern pines, soouthern hardwoods, northern hardwoods and low elevation spruce-fir were equivalent with 5 % reductions. Median impact for other western conifers was pollutant in eacah of the seven forest types investigated, with damage by the two acidic pollutants likely limited to the high elevation spruce-fir. The amenity-related leaf area and mortality measusres were less familiar and more volatile. Implications of pollutant interactions, temporal stability, and panel selection are also discussed.