TDW Cromers Wood case study

• What type of bedrock is found in Cromers Wood?

  Chalk
• What do biotic components like Dog's mercury use from the soil?

  Phosphorus for DNA creation
• What does the UK's temperate maritime climate provide?

  Solar energy, rainwater, atmospheric gases
• How do trees like Hornbeam utilize abiotic components?

  For photosynthesis
• What is the efficiency of TOW ecosystems in energy conversion?

  Very efficient at converting energy
• What is coppicing?

  A traditional woodland management technique
• What happens when trees are felled at the base in coppicing?

  New shoots grow from the 'stool'
• How does coppicing improve woodland health?

  By allowing more sunlight for plants
• What is the typical coppicing cycle duration?

  8-20 years
• What is pollarding?

  Trees are cut to the main stem
• How does geology affect tree species in Cromers Wood?

  It contributes to dominant tree species
• Which tree species prefer loamy, well-drained soil?

  Oak and Elm
• Which tree species prefers drier, gravel or limestone soil?

  Ash
• What type of soil is developed in the brown soils of TDW?

  Zonal soil due to climate
• What characterizes the A horizon in TDW soils?

  Dark color due to earthworm mixing
• What occurs in the B horizon of TDW soils?

  Illuviation of iron and aluminium
• What do the A and B horizons together form?

  True soil
• What is a characteristic of true soil in TDW?

  Free draining with nutrient cycling
• What climate zone is TDW located in?

  Confluence of Ferrel and Polar Cells
• What weather phenomenon occurs due to warm tropical air in TDW?

  Low pressure formation
• What do prevailing SW winds bring to TDW?

  Moist, warm air from the Atlantic
• What is the average annual rainfall in TDW?

  Around 1200 mm/year
• How many seasons does TDW experience?

  Four seasons
• Why is summer warmer in TDW?

  Due to the low angle of the sun
• What makes winter mild in TDW?

  Warming influence of the sea
• What is the growth period duration in TDW?

  4-6 months
• What is the leaf shedding period duration in TDW?

  3-4 months
• How does leaf fall affect transpiration?

  Reduces transpiration
• What are the layers of vegetation in Cromers Wood?

  • Canopy: Broad leaves, lots of light
  • Shrub Layer: Bushes and small trees
  • Forest Floor: Dark, limited light availability
• What is the role of the canopy in Cromers Wood?

  Absorbs a lot of light annually
• Why do deciduous trees shed their leaves in autumn?

  Can't draw water through roots when frozen
• What is found in the shrub layer of Cromers Wood?

  Producers and primary consumers
• How does light availability impact plant growth in the forest floor?

  It limits plant growth
• What adaptations do bluebells have in Cromers Wood?

  To grow before the canopy forms
• What happens to leaves after they decompose?

  Return nutrients and provide habitats
• What are epiphytes?

  Plants that grow on other plants
• How does topography affect habitats in Cromers Wood?

  It varies spatially
• What slope orientation does Cromers Wood have?

  South East facing slope
• What is the effect of steep slopes on soil properties?

  Changes chemical properties of soil
• What happens to minerals on steep slopes?

  They are washed down slope