Particulate organic matter (POM), which consists of small pieces of twigs, leaves, soil, and other items found in the water, is an important component of an ecosystem and the food web. In this study, the scientists wanted to study a certain type of POM called coarse particulate organic matter, or CPOM. The scientists wanted to figure out how the amount and quality of CPOM changed over a period of time in the Luquillo Experimental Forest. Topics: Water, Wilderness, Biodiversity, Data Trends, Hurricane, Particulate Organic Matter, Tropical Forest, Watershed.