Reconstructing disturbance on Mt Ruapehu

The effects of dieback and windthrow on the mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var cliffortioides) forest of west Ruapehu have been assessed from the aftermath of the events. The distribution of standing dead trees indicates a pre- dieback forest dominated by large mountain beech trees. The uneven effects of dieback and windthrow have led to a more heterogeneous vegetation. Tree ring analysis supports the hypothesis that drought acted as a trigger for beech dieback.