Off-campus ETSU users: To download "Campus Only" theses, please use the following link to log in to our proxy server with your ETSU username and password.
Non-ETSU users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Technology
Date of Award
5-2002
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Robert W. Peplies
Committee Members
Charles Gunter Jr., Kent Burdick
Abstract
The Southern Pine Beetle, or SPB, (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman) is a bark beetle that is endemic to the Southern forest ecosystem. Beetle populations remain stable for years at a time; however, for reasons not fully understood the beetle undergoes accelerated population growth on approximate ten-year cycles, culminating in increased beetle activity. Although most trees can withstand a beetle assault when populations are reduced, healthy trees, and even pine species that are not generally attacked can become a host tree for millions of beetles during infestations.
Much of Appalachia was paralyzed by an unusually heavy snowstorm on January 27, 1998, resulting in major power failures and tremendous tree damage. Environmental hazards such as this storm have historically been a factor with southern pine beetle populations. This study hypothesizes that the blizzard of January 27, 1998, significantly increased the southern pine beetle population. The evidence, however, did not support this hypothesis.
Document Type
Thesis - restricted
Recommended Citation
Jennings, David Scott, "Assessment of the Potential Role of Blizzard Damage in the Spatial Distribution of Southern Pine Beetle Infestation in Unicoi County, Tennessee." (2002). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 670. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/670
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.