A contribution to the synecology of vegetation on recent volcanic deposits

Abstract

This investigation has been concerned with the early stages of primary succession, initiated where vegetation has never grown before. It is of interest because the plants of the early stages are pioneers in an abnormally harsh environment.

Several studies have been made of pioneer vegetation and succession on volcanic ejects. The most famous study was that of Krakatau which erupted with a tremendous explosion in 1883. No complete, worldwide study has ever been made, however, and as part of a study of dated volcanic ejects in the South Pacific, a general survey of the available literature on lava flow and ash deposit vegetation has been undertaken. Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of active volcanoes referred to in the text.