Spatial Patterns and Structure of the Mountain Birch Tree-Limit in the Southern Swedish Scandes – A Regional Perspective |
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| Authors: | Lena Kjällgren & Leif Kullman |
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| Institution: | Department of Physical Geography, UmeåUniversity, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Altitudinal tree- and forest-limits of mountain birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Nyman) were measured (m a.s.l.) on 229 sites forming a regional network of sites intended for long-term monitoring. Regional and local topographical variables used for correlations with the recorded elevations included slope aspect, inclination, morphology, snow depth and shortest distance to the sea. No relationship between past human utilization of natural resources and the vertical extension (width) and position of the tree-limit ecotone was found and thus the ecotone is regarded as natural. It is concluded that tree- and forest-limit altitudes are regionally controlled by macroclimate, and correlate negatively with the degree of maritimity. On a more local scale, snow conditions, and microtopography, are important for tree- and forest-limit altitudinal position. The ecotone is wider in snow accumulation areas than in deflation areas, and tree- and forest-limit altitudes are generally higher on slopes with a varied micro-topography than on flat slopes. Slope aspect and inclination are also important, and the highest tree- and forest-limit altitudes are generally found on steep, SE-W-facing slopes. Tree height at the tree-limit is independent of the analysed topographical parameters and fairly constant at 2.7 m, suggesting a strong common environmental control. Many of the results presented in this paper are confirmations of the results of earlier, small-scale investigations or of surveys lacking statistically treated data. |
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