Vegetation change in the spray zone of a waterfall following river regulation in aurland, Western Norway

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Abstract
A 25 m long transect was positioned along the spray gradient of a waterfall (880 m a.s.l.) in the Aurland River, western Norway. The vegetational composition in contiguous 1 m × 1 m quadrats was recorded in 1968 before regulation of the river, and again 20 years later. Spray precipitation, temperature, and humidity were also measured. The 92 per cent reduction in mean annual discharge of the river has resulted in a 98‐100 per cent reduction in spray precipitation along the transect. In general, there has been a great decrease in hygrophilous bryophytes and alpine vascular plants, and an increase in lichens and drought‐tolerant bryophytes. At the end of the transect furthest from the waterfall, which previously received less than 1200 mm of spray precipitation per year, there has only been minor floristic change. Similarly, in the nearest 5 quadrats, where spray precipitation is still substantial, there has been little change in the vegetation. The greatest change occurred in the middle of the transect which formerly received substantial amounts of spray, but is now almost dry.