Environmental drivers of canopy gap geometry: a meta-analysis of gap disturbance regimes across forest biomes

ected data of forest canopy gaps from 180 publications across various vegetation types, and compiled dataset of gap size distributions. Here, we will report first findings on geographical patterns of gap size distributions, and their correlations with climatic variables (mean temperature, annual precipitation, and maximum velocity of wind) and stand structural attributes. Based on region-specificity of gap disturbances, we will discuss possible management practices that can emulate natural disturbances and contribute to the maintenance of potential forest structures.