Additional file 2: Plate 1. The survey plot was installed in Albongbunji Basin, Ulleungdo, taken in 2019 (left). This young beech forest (approximately 60 years old) is in the stem exclusion stage of forest development. Broken stems of the canopy species Prunus takesimensis (Ulleungdo cherry, endemic species) and Acer pictum var. mono originated from gap events induced by stochastic disturbances (wind and mechanical damage), which were observed at an earlier stage than in traditional development models. The forest floor of the survey plot is continuously changing in terms of micro-level geomorphology due to soil deposition caused by heavy rains. In part of the survey plot, soil deposition has been taking place since 2016 (right). The red arrow on the picture is the spot where the number tag was attached at the breast height (120 cm) in 2009.
