The biomechanics of leaf oscillations during rainfall events
Leal K. Lauderbaugh, Curtis D. Holder
Abstract
Plants are dynamic systems during rainfall events. As raindrops splash on leaf surfaces, the momentum of the raindrop is transferred to the leaf, causing the leaf to oscillate. The emphasis of this review is on the general principles of leaf oscillation models after raindrop impact and the ecological importance. Various leaf oscillation models and the underlying physical properties from biomechanics theory are highlighted. Additionally, we review experimental methods to derive the model parameters for and explore advances in our understanding of the raindrop-leaf impact process.
Topics & Concepts
Oscillation (cell signaling)SplashEnvironmental scienceMomentum (technical analysis)BiomechanicsAtmospheric sciencesEcologyBiologyMeteorologyPhysicsAnatomyGeneticsFinanceEconomicsTree Root and Stability StudiesPlant Surface Properties and TreatmentsPlant responses to water stress