The trend of tree line on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain

Abstract

In order to decipher phenomenon of tree line changing with climate variety, the trend of tree line on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain was studied. Based on the meteorological data of Changbai Mountain, the January temperature (the limiting effect for tree line) and annual mean temperature were mainly investigated. In the ecotone betweenBetula emanii and alpine tundra, the number and diameter at ground level ofBetula ermanii in the plots were measured. According to the correlation between diameter at ground level (DGL) and age, the diameter at ground level can represent age directly. The results showed that the distribution age ofBetula ermanii was in the trend of decreasing with elevation rising. In resent years, the annual mean temperature near Changbai Mountain is rising, which has led to the tree line ascending.

Keywords

Tree line / Temperature / Elevation / Meteorological data / S717.1 / A

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