Effects of wave exposure and aspect on Hong Kong supralittoral lichens

The effects of wave exposure and aspect on the zonation of supralittoral li chens were studied at 14 sites in Hong Kong. In general, increasing wave ex posure raised the supralittoral zones and extended their vertical widths. A higher lichen cover in the lower zones (Zones 1 and 2) was found with grea ter wave exposures, bur the opposite was true for upper zones (Zones 3 and 4). Lichen diversity was greater with increased wave exposure in three out of the four zones (Zones 2-4). The effects of aspect are mainly due to the prevailing winds, which resulted in south- and east-facing shores supportin g a higher cover and diversity of lichens. The distribution patterns of lic hens on this subtropical seashore differed from previous studies in the tem perate regions of the northern hemisphere. (C) 2000 The British Lichen Soci ety.