Tropical Cyclone Response in Annual Tree Growth at Three Different Coastal Sites Along the Gulf of Mexico, USA

Coastal forests are highly vulnerable to disturbances from tropical cyclones (TCs), yet the long-term impacts of storm surges on tree growth remain understudied. This study examines the relationship between TC-induced storm surges and annual tree-ring growth in Pinus elliottii at three coastal sites along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Using dendrochronological methods, we analyzed total ring width, earlywood, and latewood growth patterns to assess suppressions in response to past TC activity. Our results indicate that storm surge events consistently cause growth suppression, with recovery periods averaging two to three years. However, suppression patterns vary by site, with trees in more protected locations displaying stronger correlations with TC storm surge events, while those in chronically stressed environments exhibit frequent growth limitations independent of TCs. For example, only 38% of suppression events at the unprotected Gulf State Park correspond with TC storm surge events, and this increases to 67% at the protected Weeks Bay NERR site. Additionally, latewood ring width corresponds with TC storm surge events more than total or earlywood ring width. These findings highlight the complexity of TC impacts on coastal tree growth, emphasizing the importance of site-specific factors such as topographic position and hydrological conditions. Understanding these interactions is critical for improving paleotempestology reconstructions and informing forest management strategies in coastal environments facing increasing TC activity due to climate change.