Runkle, James R. 1992. Guidelines and sample protocol for sampling forest gaps. Gen Tech. Rept. PNW-GTR-283. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 44 p.
Comparative studies of forest structure and dynamics require standardized methods.A protocol for sampling forest canopy gaps is presented. Methods used in publishedgap studies are reviewed. The sample protocol will be useful in developing a broaderunderstanding of forest structure and dynamics through comparative studies acrossdifferent forest ecosystems.
Keywords: Forest structure, forest canopies, gap dynamics, heterogeneity, naturaldisturbance.