Appalachian Mountains Research Articles

Source rocks in foreland basins: A preferential context for the development of natural hydraulic fractures

Bedding-parallel veins of fibrous calcite (also called “beef”) occur in many sedimentary basins, especially those containing low-permeability strata with organic source material for petroleum. The formation of such veins is commonly linked with fluid overpressure in these source rocks. In this review, we demonstrate that beef veins are most commonly present in foreland basins worldwide or in basins that recorded a compressive tectonic period. The formation of beef veins is related to two main phases: (1) the initiation of bedding-parallel fracture and (2) the infilling of the fracture. Previous structural studies have shown that formation of beef veins occurred during a period of compressive stress activity. This is especially the case for the Wessex Basin (United Kingdom) and the Neuquen Basin (Argentina). In this paper, we provide more observations for other basins: the Cordillera Oriental (Colombia), the Paris Basin (France), the northern Pyrenees (France), the Uinta Basin (United States), the Tian Shan Mountains (central Asia), and the Appalachian Mountains (United States). In the Paris Basin, beef vein formation is dated at 155 Ma (U/Pb calcite method) and is coeval with the compressional deformation in the eastern part of the basin. Because of the timing of generation for such veins and even if the theory and the experiments of fracturing demonstrate that bedding-parallel fractures can be generated only with a distributed fluid overpressure, the formation of beef veins seems to be a consequence of both fluid overpressures and a compressional tectonic stress.

Partitioning tree diversity patterns to prioritize conservation investments

SummaryThe available tools and approaches to inform conservation decisions commonly assume detailed distribution data. We examine how well-established ecological concepts about patterns in local richness and community turnover can help overcome data limitations when planning future protected areas. To inform our analyses, we surveyed tree species in protected areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the eastern USA. We used the survey data to construct predictive models for alpha and beta diversity based on readily observed biophysical variables and combined them to create a heuristic that could predict among-site richness in trees (gamma diversity). The predictive models suggest that site elevation and latitude in this montane system explain much of the variation in alpha and beta diversity in tree species. We tested how well resulting protected areas would represent species if a conservation planner lacking detailed species inventories for candidate sites were to rely only on our alpha, beta and gamma diversity predictions. Our approach selected sites that, when aggregated, covered a large proportion of the overall species pool. The combined gamma diversity models performed even better when we also accounted for the cost of protecting sites. Our results demonstrate that classic community biogeography concepts remain highly relevant to conservation practice today.

Jurassic dinosaurs on the move: Gastrolith provenance and long‐distance migration

AbstractHere, we present the detrital zircon age spectra for five (n = 36, 68, 66, 41, 29) red quartzite gastroliths collected from the top of the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation in the eastern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA. The detrital zircon age spectra reveal geon 17 maximum depositional ages, and age peaks that are Yavapai (geon 17), Penokean (geon 18) and Archean (>geon 25). The colour, texture, composition and zircon age spectra of these exoliths are indistinguishable from those of geon 16 (i.e. Baraboo interval) quartzites present in the Laurentian midcontinent more than 1,000 km to the east. We interpret that these gastroliths were ingested by dinosaurs, most likely sauropods, in the Laurentian midcontinent and then transported in their digestive tracts to the site of deposition. These data support the hypothesis of long‐distance dinosaur migration, perhaps following low energy, continental‐scale drainage systems that flowed from the Appalachian highlands to the Morrison Formation depositional basin.

Phylogenetic Systematics of the Millipede Family Xystodesmidae

AbstractThe millipede family Xystodesmidae includes 486 species distributed primarily in temperate deciduous forests in North America and East Asia. Species diversity of the family is greatest in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States, with 188 species. Although the group includes notable taxa such as those that are bioluminescent and others that display Müllerian mimicry, producing up to 600 mg of cyanide, basic alpha-taxonomy of the group is woefully incomplete and more than 50 species remain undescribed in the Appalachian Mountains alone. In order to establish a robust phylogenetic foundation for addressing compelling evolutionary questions and describing species diversity, we assembled the largest species phylogeny (in terms of species sampling) to date in the Diplopoda. We sampled 49 genera (out of 57) and 247 of the species in the family Xystodesmidae, recollecting fresh material from historical type localities and discovering new species in unexplored regions. Here, we present a phylogeny of the family using six genes (four mitochondrial and two nuclear) and include pivotal taxa omitted from previous studies including Nannaria, Erdelyia, taxa from East Asia, and 10 new species. We show that 6 of the 11 tribes are monophyletic, and that the family is paraphyletic with respect to the Euryuridae and Eurymerodesmidae. Prior supraspecific classification is in part inconsistent with the phylogeny and convergent evolution has caused artificial genera to be proposed. Subspecific classification is likewise incongruent with phylogeny and subspecies are consistently not sister to conspecifics. The phylogeny is used as a basis to update the classification of the family, diagnose monophyletic groups, and to inform species hypotheses.

Not all methods are created equal: assessment of sampling methods for crayfishes and fishes in southern Appalachian streams

We compared the effectiveness of three sampling methods (kick seining, electrofishing, and nest trapping) to collect crayfishes and fishes, simultaneously, in southern Appalachian Mountain streams (Alabama, USA). For crayfishes, kick seining collected the highest species richness and most individuals. However, by combining kick seining and electrofishing collections, we decreased the number of sites needed to accurately assess crayfish richness relative to using one method. For 9 of the 13 species collected, no differences in crayfish sizes or sex ratios were detected between electrofishing and kick seining. In the remaining four species, electrofishing collected larger crayfishes and more females than kick seining. For fishes, electrofishing was most effective at assessing fish species richness. Sampled fish richness was higher when electrofishing in streams with higher water temperatures and width-to-depth ratios, as well as lower conductivities and smaller substrates. Electrofishing was the most effective sampling method for collecting Centrarchids, whereas kick seining was most effective at collecting Cyprinids. Nest traps were the least effective sampling method. We conclude that using a combination of kick seining and electrofishing is best for assessing stream fish and crayfish assemblages, simultaneously, which can improve management, biomonitoring, and understanding of the complex relationships between these faunal groups.

Common Ingredients and Orographic Rain Index (ORI) for Heavy Precipitation Associated with Tropical Cyclones Passing Over the Appalachian Mountains

Relative contributions of common ingredients to heavy orographic rainfall associated with the passage of Hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Isabel (2003) over the Appalachian Mountains are examined using a numerical weather prediction model. It is found that the key ingredients for producing local heavy orographic rainfall were: high precipitation efficiency, strong low-level flow, strong orographically forced upward motion associated with strong low-level flow over relatively gentle upslope, concave geometry providing local areas of convergence, high moist flow upstream, a relatively large convective system associated with both tropical cyclones (TCs), and relatively slower movement. In addition, neither conditional instability nor potential (convective) instability is found to play essential roles in producing strong upward motion leading to heavy orographic TC rain. A modified Orographic Rain Index (ORI) is proposed as a predictor for heavy orographic TC precipitation, which includes the upstream incoming horizontal wind speed normal to the local orography, the steepness of the mountain, the relative humidity, the TC moving speed, and the horizontal scale of the TC. It is found that the ORI estimated in regions of local maximum rainfall by using fine-resolution numerically simulated results correlate well with rainfall rates for both hurricanes, indicating that it may serve as a predictor for heavy orographic TC rainfall.

Automatic detection and classification of low-level orographic precipitation processes from space-borne radars using machine learning

Ground-clutter is a significant cause of missed-detection and underestimation of precipitation in complex terrain from space-based radars such as the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). This research proposes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework consisting of a precipitation detection model (PDM) and a precipitation regime classification model (PCM) to improve orographic precipitation retrievals from GPM-DPR using machine learning.The PDM is a Random Forest Classifier using GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) calibrated brightness temperatures (Tbs) and low-level precipitation mixing ratios from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) analysis as inputs. The PCM is a Convolutional Neural Network that predicts the precipitation regime class, defined independently based on quantitative features of ground-based radar reflectivity profiles, using GPM DPR Ku-band (Ku-PR) reflectivity profiles and GMI Tbs. The AI framework is demonstrated for warm-season precipitation in the Southern Appalachian Mountains over three years (2016–2019), achieving large reductions in false alarms (77%) and missed detections (82%) relative to GPM Ku-PR precipitation products. The spatial distribution of predicted precipitation classes within the GPM overpass reflects the complex interactions between storms and topography that determine orographic precipitation regimes. For each GPM pixel, the local precipitation class informs on the vertical structure of rainfall microphysics aiming to capture low-level processes missed in GPM DPR reflectivity profiles contaminated by ground-clutter (i.e., the radar blind-zone).

Phylogeography and demographic expansion in the widely distributed horned passalus beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus (coleoptera: Passalidae)

Dynamic climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene had profound effects on the distribution of species across North America. Although the role of historical climate change on speciation remains controversial, the impact on genetic variation within species has been well documented. Analyses of mtDNA sequences from the cytochrome oxidase I gene (911 bp) for 115 individuals of Odontotaenius disjunctus was combined with ecological niche modelling (ENM) to infer the demographic and population differentiation scenarios under present and past conditions. We inferred three lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene and replace each other geographically across the eastern United States. One of these lineages traverses previously identified genetic barriers for terrestrial animals including the Mississippi and Apalachicola Rivers and the Appalachian Mountains. We observed overlapping ranges between two haplotype groups as well as a region of secondary contact associated with ecological transition zone in northern Florida. The two continental lineages depict a genetic signature of a recent population increase associated with expanding niche envelope, whereas the clade restricted to peninsular Florida shows stable populations in a shrinking niche envelope. Given the lack of ecological separation, overlapping distribution of haplogroups and the presence of secondary contact zones, the taxonomic status of these lineages must await robust testing using multilocus DNA data to assess species boundaries.

Are protected areas well-sited to support species in the future in a major climate refuge and corridor in the United States?

To help conserve biodiversity in coming decades, protected areas need to be located in places that will be important for species as their ranges shift to track suitable climatic conditions. Had past protected areas been optimally targeted to cover today's biodiversity, then we would expect future coverage to decline. However, past protected area siting was often biased towards higher elevations and, with upslope movements of many species predicted under climate change projections, perhaps future coverage may improve as a result. We examine present and future coverage of species potential ranges by protected areas in the Appalachian Mountains, a critical climate refuge and corridor for the biodiversity of the eastern United States. We parameterize climate niche models using the Maxent algorithm with occurrence records for 258 amphibian, bird, mammal, and reptile species of conservation policy concern that depend on forested habitat. We forecast future range shifts by integrating climate projections from six global circulation models and two representative concentration pathways while making contrasting assumptions about species dispersal. We then examine coverage of the estimated present and future ranges of species by existing protected areas. Most of these policy relevant species (93%) have less than 15% of their present estimated range in the region covered by protected areas. We found that species ranked as high conservation priority would be poorly protected under future climate scenarios. We predicted amphibian and mammal coverages by protected areas would worsen whereas coverages of birds and reptiles improve if species are able to disperse freely to future climatically suitable habitat. If species movements are more restricted, then we predict marked losses of species from protected areas, particularly amphibians and mammals. Our results identify obvious candidate locations for adding new protected areas in places that are currently under-protected and that harbor a high diversity of species across all future climate scenarios we consider.

Fault kinematics: A record of tectono-climatically controlled sedimentation along passive margins, an example from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Faults offsetting sedimentary strata can record changes in sedimentation driven by tectonic and climatic forcing. Fault kinematic analysis is effective at evaluating changes in sediment volumes at salt/shale-bearing passive margins where sediment loading drives faulting. We explore these processes along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Incremental throw along 146 buried faults studied across onshore Louisiana revealed continual Cenozoic fault reactivation punctuated by inactive periods along a few faults. Fault scarp heights measured from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data are interpreted to show that Cenozoic fault reactivation continued through the Pleistocene. The areas of highest fault throw and maximum sediment deposition shifted from southwest Louisiana in the early Miocene to southeast Louisiana in the middle–late Miocene. These changes in the locus of maximum fault reactivation and sediment deposition were controlled by changing tectonics and climate in the source areas. Early Miocene fault throw estimates indicate a depocenter farther east than previously mapped and support the idea that early Miocene Appalachian Mountain uplift and erosion routed sediment to southeast Louisiana. By correlating changes in fault throw with changes in sediment deposition, we suggest that (1) fault kinematic analysis can be used to evaluate missing sediment volumes because fault offsets can be preserved despite partial erosion, (2) fault throw estimates can be used to infer changes in past tectonic and climate-related processes driving sedimentation, and (3) these observations are applicable to other passive margins with mobile substrates and faulted strata within overfilled sedimentary basins.

Effects of Surveying for the Federally Endangered Spruce-Fir Moss Spider (Microhexura montivaga Crosby & Bishop) on its Bryophyte Habitat

Microhexura montivaga (Spruce-fir Moss Spider) is a federally endangered arachnid endemic to high-elevation montane conifer forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The spider is cryptic and difficult to monitor because this species lives in the interface between the bryophyte mat and the rock surface. Since temporary removal of the bryophyte mat is necessary to monitor the spider, surveyors may negatively impact the spider's habitat during monitoring. To help inform survey protocol for this endangered species, we studied reattachment rates of bryophyte mats to rock surfaces after their removal. In 2017, we surveyed sixty 10 cm × 10 cm plots, assigning a plot to either control or treatment (i.e., application of water post-reattachment). We monitored plots for 1 year post-survey to determine reattachment rates. The majority of plots (70%) reestablished after 1 year, whereas 15% did not reattach or showed substantial prolonged (e.g., ∼1 year) desiccation and 15% completely fell off or had 100% prolonged desiccation and were chlorotic. We found that mat depth and overstory canopy cover had no effect on mat reestablishment, although bryophyte type did. We found no difference between treatment and control plots, suggesting that no treatment is needed for mats to reestablish under the conditions described. Rock slope significantly influenced reestablishment rates, highlighting that surveying bryophyte mats on slopes >80% may diminish or destroy habitat. Further research is needed to determine long-term monitoring effects on the spider and its habitat, especially in relation to disturbance regimes and ecological restoration of Picea rubens (Red Spruce).

Estimating Biomass and Carbon Storage by Georgia Forest Types and Species Groups Using the FIA Data Diameters, Basal Areas, Site Indices, and Total Heights

We present here an example of research into methodology of an estimation of carbon and biomass pools in forests using the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), data of the 1989 and 1998 surveys for Georgia forests, as relevant for comparison with other extremely highly-cited estimates of similar, but different, methodologies. Based on the derived estimates, we produce an example map of the biomass density and pools at a sub-county level resolution, which is based on spatially explicit simulations of the potential cover-type polygons implied by the FIA data with approximate plot locations. Our results include estimates of the biomass pools in the belowground biomass in roots, aboveground woody biomass in trees, and the biomass of foliage. We estimated the biomass densities and pools at a tree level using diameters and heights and previously published models, then propagated these results to the plot level using tree expansion factors, and then transformed these estimates to plot-dependent polygons using plot expansion factors. The plot-dependent polygons were spatially simulated using a simplified assumption of homogeneity of conditions surrounding each plot to the extent of the area defined by this plot’s expansion factors. The derived map provides a visual representation of the distribution of forest biomass densities and pools in the state of Georgia with distinctive patterns observed in various areas of urban development, federally owned forests, primary commercial forestland, and other land use areas. Coniferous forests with the highest total biomass density are located mostly in three regions: northern Georgia (Appalachian Highlands), the southern part of Piedmont, and the eastern part of Coastal Plain. Deciduous and mixed forests with the highest biomass density are concentrated mostly in the northern part of the state—especially in the Blue Ridge physiographic province, and in the western part of the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Counties with the highest biomass density were located primarily in the northern part of the state, while counties with the lowest density tended to be located in the Coastal Georgia area.

Noteworthy Collections: First Record of the Non-native Plant Portulaca amilis (Portulacaceae) in Tennessee

We report the first record of Portulaca amilis in Tennessee. A native of South America, P. amilis is a weedy plant that has been introduced to and naturalized in the southeastern United States. Previously this species has only been reported from the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont. This suggests a range expansion either west over the Appalachian Mountains from the Carolinas, or north from Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi into the Ridge and Valley region of east Tennessee.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Natural Variation in Arabidopsis Exposed to Acid Mine Drainage Toxicity and Validation of Associated Genes with Reverse Genetics

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a huge environmental problem in mountain-top mining regions worldwide, including the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. This study applied a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to uncover genomic loci in Arabidopsis associated with tolerance to AMD toxicity. We characterized five major root phenotypes—cumulative root length, average root diameter, root surface area, root volume, and primary root length—in 180 Arabidopsis accessions in response to AMD-supplemented growth medium. GWAS of natural variation in the panel revealed genes associated with tolerance to an acidic environment. Most of these genes were transcription factors, anion/cation transporters, metal transporters, and unknown proteins. Two T-DNA insertion mutants, At1g63005 (miR399b) and At2g05635 (DEAD helicase RAD3), showed enhanced acidity tolerance. Our GWAS and the reverse genetic approach revealed genes involved in conferring tolerance to coal AMD. Our results indicated that proton resistance in hydroponic conditions could be an important index to improve plant growth in acidic soil, at least in acid-sensitive plant species.

Jeannine Cavender-Bares.

Jeannine Cavender-Bares.

Anamorphic Site Index Curves for Central Appalachian Red Spruce in West Virginia, USA

Traditional site index curves are frequently produced for shade-intolerant species but are scarce for shade-tolerant species. Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) can be found in three distinct geographic regions (northern, central, and southern) within the Appalachian Mountains. The one commonly used set of red spruce site index curves is over ninety years old. A definite need exists for a modern, regionally applicable set of site index curves. This research sampled 83 plots randomly located in the central Appalachians of West Virginia. Three sets of anamorphic site index curves were created after careful examination of height models built using Chapman-Richards and Meyer functions. One set of curves was constructed with traditional age height pairs. The second utilized a suppression-corrected age and height pair. The third set examined diameter at breast height (DBH) and height pairs. Fit statistics indicated better performance for the suppression-corrected age–height pair site index and the DBH–height pair site index versus the traditional age–height pair models. Site index conversion equations were also investigated for the red spruce age-corrected site index. Linear regression was used to determine significant geographic and climate variables and the utility of including site index values for red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) in the model to predict red spruce site index. Significant models were found for varying combinations of species site index, climate, and geographic variables with R2adj in the range of 0.139–0.455. These new site index curves and conversion equations should provide utility for site productivity estimation and growth and yield modeling while aiding in restoration efforts for this important central Appalachian species.

Lithium isotopic fractionation during weathering and erosion of shale

Clay weathering in shales is an important component of the global Li budget because Li is mobilized from Li-rich clay minerals and shale represents about one quarter of the exposed rocks on Earth. We investigate Li isotopes and concentrations to explore implications and mechanisms of Li isotopic fractionation in Shale Hills, a first-order catchment developed entirely on shale in a temperate climate in the Appalachian Mountains, northeastern USA. The Li isotopic compositions (δ7Li) of aqueous Li in stream water and groundwater vary between 14.5 and 40.0‰. This range is more than half that observed in rivers globally. The δ7Li of aqueous Li increases with increasing Li retention in secondary minerals, which is simulated using a box model that considers pore fluid advection to be the dominant transport process, silicate dissolution to be the source of Li to the pore fluid, and uptake of Li by kaolinite, Fe-oxides, and interlayer sites of clays to be the sinks. The simulations suggest that only those deep groundwaters with δ7Li values of ∼15‰ are explainable as steady state values; those fluids with δ7Li values > 18‰, especially near-surface waters, can only be explained as time-dependent, transient signals in an evolving system. Lithium is highly retained in the residual solid phase during chemical weathering; however, bulk soils (0.5 ± 1.2‰ (1 SD)) and stream sediments (0.3‰) have similar, or higher, δ7Li values compared to average bedrock (−2.0‰). This is attributed to preferential removal of clay particles from soils. Soil clays are isotopically depleted in 7Li (δ7Li values down to −5.2‰) compared to parental material, and δ7Li values correlate with soil Li concentration, soil pH, and availability of exchangeable sites for Li as a function of landscape position (valley floor versus ridge top). The strong depletion of Li and clay minerals in soils compared to bedrock is attributed at least partly to loss of Li through export of fine-grained clay particles in subsurface water flow. This process might be enhanced as the upper weathering zone of this catchment is highly fractured due to former periglacial conditions. The Li isotopic composition of vegetation is similar to soil clay and both are distinct from mobile catchment water (soil pore water, stream and groundwater). Extrapolating from this catchment means that subsurface particle loss from shales could be significant today and in the past, affecting isotopic signatures of soils and water. For example, clay transformations together with removal of clay particles before re-dissolution support weathering conditions that lead to a low aqueous Li flux but to high δ7Li values in water.

Spatial behavior of northern flying squirrels in the same social network

AbstractNorth American flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) are social species that communally den and exhibit home range overlap. However, observations on home range overlap tend to come from live‐trapped individuals and it is unknown whether overlap occurs among individuals belonging to the same social network. Since flying squirrels communally den with familiar individuals, their use of artificial nest boxes allows for the radio‐collaring and tracking of squirrels within the same social network. We captured and radio‐collared northern flying squirrels (G. sabrinus Shaw) found communally denning in nest boxes in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. We tracked squirrels captured from the same nest box (i.e., nest box groups) to determine home range overlap and subsequent den sharing between familiar individuals within those nest box groups. We found that amount of home range overlap did not differ between male–male, male–female, and female–female dyads, indicating that non‐reproductive females and scrotal males are not territorial at the 95% or 50% home range level. Regardless of sex, all dyads had a significantly higher probability of home range overlap (PHR) at the 95% than the 50% home range level (i.e., overlap between squirrels decreases in core areas of their home range). We also found flying squirrels subsequently denned with familiar individuals during 20.9% of occasions post‐collaring. Our study provides important information for understanding space use within flying squirrel social networks. Further work should be conducted to determine space use between familiar individuals including seasonal shifts in space use, degree of individual relatedness, and potential territoriality in females denning with young up to and following juvenile dispersal.

WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION IN RUFFED GROUSE (BONASA UMBELLUS) IN PENNSYLVANIA, USA: A MULTI-YEAR COMPARISON OF STATEWIDE SEROSURVEYS AND VECTOR INDICES

Eastern populations of Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) have been in a decades-long decline across the mid-Atlantic and southern Appalachian Mountains of the US. West Nile virus (WNV), which first arrived in the US in 1999, is suspected to have contributed to these declines based on decreased population indices since the arrival of WNV in Pennsylvania as well as on high, experimentally induced WNV-associated morbidity rates. A 3-yr statewide survey was conducted across Pennsylvania to measure flavivirus (i.e., WNV) seroprevalence among hunter-harvested grouse. The overall seroprevalence from 2015-17 was 14.4% (81/563); annual seroprevalence ranged from 2.8% (4/145) in the 2017 hunt year to 22.6% (52/230) in 2016-17. We analyzed the effects of numerous variables (i.e., Ruffed Grouse age and sex, hunt year, WNV vector index [VI], and region of Pennsylvania) on WNV serostatus by logistic regression. While there was no significant difference in WNV seroprevalence between sex and age group, there was significant variation in seroprevalence between geographic regions of Pennsylvania and across hunt years. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between WNV seroprevalence and VI. Low seroprevalence rates among Ruffed Grouse corresponded to years with a high VI, supporting experimental findings that Ruffed Grouse may be highly susceptible to WNV-associated disease. Additional strategic research efforts are essential to more effectively measure the effects of WNV on Ruffed Grouse and other vulnerable avian species.

Performance and genetic diversity of 23 provenances of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) after 25 years of growth in South Korea

Growth traits and genetic diversity of 23 provenances of Quercus rubra introduced from North America were analyzed in a provenance trial established with a randomized block design in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea in 1993. Growth variables and survival at age 25 were compared with results from early stages. Height, DBH, volume and stem straightness of Q. rubra was better than those of the domestic oak (Quercus accutissima). Growth of the Dunham Island provenance from New York was the best among the 23 provenances that of the Eagle River provenance from Wisconsin was poorest. Survival rate at age 25 was on average 52%. The longitude of seed origin and growth of provenance were consistently significantly negatively correlated at all ages. Growth of coastal provenances was superior to that of the inland provenances, which were separated by the Appalachian Mountains. Genetic diversity and genetic distance among the provenances were evaluated using microsatellite markers. The allelic frequencies showed high polymorphism in 10 microsatellite loci, and 292 alleles were found. Of 10 loci, two were commonly found in the 23 provenances. The mean allelic diversity and heterozygosity observed among the provenances were similar to those from the native populations of Q. rubra in North America. Nei′s genetic distance among the 23 was estimated and showed that a clear trend between geographic and genetic distances, indicating that some provenances have high genetic diversity with superior growth performance.