Abstract
The distributions of the radiative index of dryness, β (i.e., the ratio of yearly sums of net radiation to those of the latent heat of precipitation), in Appalachian and Australian watersheds in relation to aboveground forest biomass were studied and compared. The patterns of β and biomass distribution on corresponding slopes are similar for both watersheds (e.g., south-west facing slopes in the northern hemisphere correspond to north-west facing slopes in the southern hemisphere). The effect of the daily course of microclimate on bioproductivity of corresponding slopes appears to be similar. The average value of β = 0.75 for the Appalachian watershed corresponds to optimum growth potential. The average value of β = 1.57 for the Australian watershed corresponds to limited growth conditions.
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