Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Lee, Michelle [1], Cairns, David [2], Gaddis, Keith Donald [2].

Treeline advance of white spruce (Picea glauca) in south-central Alaska.

Many recent studies have predicted and shown alpine treeline advance throughout the world as a result of global climatic changes. These advances have major implications for the assembly and survival of species that may become marginalized as their habitat is destroyed by this advance. We set out to examine treeline advance patterns in the dominant North American treeline forming species white spruce (Picea glauca) throughout south-central Alaska. We collected and examined dendrochronological data from 17 sites across the state. We used linear regression to examine the age of trees relative to the distance from treeline and found variable treeline patterns. Some sites showed definite treeline advance and others have maintained a stable treeline position. Variation in treeline advance is strongly influenced by underlying topography. Understanding how these ecosystems have responded to recent years of climatic change will help us better predict landscape dynamism in the future.

1 - University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 612 Charles E. Young Drive South, Box 957246, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
2 - Texas A&M University, Department of Geography, 3147 tamu, College Station, TX, 77843, United States

Keywords:
forest dynamics
Treeline
dendrochronology
climate.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Biogeography Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PBG004
Abstract ID:309
Candidate for Awards:None