On October 5, 1995, Hurricane Opal caused extensive tree falls at Coweeta and as a result several research studies have been initiated. Though severe hurricanes are relatively infrequent at inland sites in the Southern Appalachians, there is strong evidence of past hurricane damage and even the naming of several sites at Coweeta as a result of past hurricanes (Hurricane Gap as well as Big Hurricane and Little Hurricane stream branches). Therefore, severe hurricane damage is a component of the long-term disturbance regime at Coweeta.
Several studies were initiated at Coweeta as a result of Hurricane Opal. These include:
- B. Clinton and C. Baker: A survey of the initial V vegetation damage surrounding large pit and mound structures resulting from downed trees as well as subsequent monitoring of the vegetation recovery in these naturally-created gaps
- W. Swank and B. Clinton: Large log decomposition of seven species occurring from downed trees in their naturally-occurring gaps
- J. Vose and D. Crossley: Small log (bolt) decomposition transplant experiment across the already existing gradient study sites
- K. Elliott and B. Clinton: Oak seedling demography and physiology along transects ranging from full overstory canopies to naturally-created gaps and back to full overstory canopies
- M. Hunter: Nutrient composition of overstory foliage both within gaps and nearby closed-canopy forests
- K. Elliott and W. Swank: Forest regeneration following salvage logging in large blowdown areas at Coweeta
- A. Yeakley, D. Coleman, and J. Meyer: Effect of hurricane damage on the soil water, riparian link ,and stream water quantity and quality in a riparian ecosystem
These studies will help to quantify some of the initial effects of hurricanes as well as to elucidate the mechanisms of recovery in forest ecosystems. This information is also critical to a more complete understanding of the disturbance regime of Southern Appalachian forests.