GALES AND GALE DAMAGE TO FORESTS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE EFFECTS OF THE STORM OF 31ST JANUARY 1953, IN THE NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND

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Abstract
The storm of 31 st January 1953 caused the wind-throw of over 45 million cubic feet in forests in the north-east of Scotland, mainly of coniferous species. Some general features of the wind climate of the country are discussed and it appears that, although gale risk is a serious factor in forestry in the region, very few gales during the last 250 years have attained a violence comparable with the recent storm. The local distribution of extreme gusts modified by topographical features is considered to be the principal cause of the varying degree of damage. There was a marked correlation between height of the trees and wind-throw; few stands under 40 feet in height have been damaged. Different species have also reacted differently and this is discussed. Of the edaphic factors the effect of compacted soil horizons on depth of rooting has clearly been important. Finally the influence of layout and tending are discussed, and it is concluded that wind-resistant margins are important in the prevention of gale damage. In the less-extreme cases of damage, the effect of different factors influencing gale damage accords with previous European experience which is reviewed.

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