Abstract
Wind damage to coniferous plantation forests containing sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) was studied in Japan. Wind conditions determined using an air flow simulation model, historical wind disturbance records and remote sensing measurements were integrated within a geographic information system (GIS). Based on the data set, the relationships between wind disturbances, wind speed and stand height were analyzed. A logistic analysis technique was applied to assess the probability of wind disturbance in stands that remained intact or were damaged as a result of the typhoon. The results indicate that higher wind speeds and greater stand heights increase the probability of wind disturbance in both sugi and hinoki plantation forests. The logistic regression model enabled us to predict the likelihood of wind disturbance at our study site. Our results confirmed that it is possible, using wind condition prediction software, to analyse wind disturbance in sugi and hinoki plantation forests.
