The divergent gap characteristics and spatial patterns of canopy gaps created by natural or artificial disturbances can exert a dominant influence on forest structure and composition. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of ice storm damage on canopy gaps in subtropical mature forests of South China. In this study, one semi-natural site was dominated by a broad-leaf forest and two managed sites were representative of plantations with coniferous forests. Based on airborne laser scanning data and field evidence across sites, statistical analyses were used to examine gap cha...
