Journal
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Volume 310, Issue -, Pages 312-320Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2013.08.042
Keywords
Climate-induced tree mortality; Drought impact on forests; Tree die-off; Siberian pine decline
Categories
Funding
- NASA's Science Mission Directorate
- SB RAS Program [30.25]
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The causes and resulting spatial patterns of Siberian pine mortality in eastern Kuznetzky Alatau Mountains, Siberia were analyzed based on satellite (Landsat, MODIS) and dendrochronology data. Climate variables studied included temperature, precipitation and Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) drought index. Landsat data analysis showed that stand mortality was first detected in the year 2006 at an elevation of 650 m, and extended up to 900 m by the year 2012. Mortality was accompanied by a decrease in MODIS-derived vegetation index (EVI). The area of dead stands and the upper mortality line were correlated with increased drought. The uphill margin of mortality was limited by elevational precipitation gradients. Dead stands (i.e., >75% tree mortality) were located mainly on southern slopes. With respect to slope, mortality was observed within a 7-20 degrees range with greatest mortality occurring on convex terrain. Tree radial increment measurements correlate and were synchronous with SPEI (r(2) = 0.37, r(s) = 80). The results also showed the primary role of drought stress on Siberian pine mortality. A secondary role may be played by bark beetles and root fungi attacks. The observed Siberian pine mortality is part of a broader phenomenon of dark needle conifers (DNC, i.e., Siberian pine, fir and spruce) decline and mortality in European Russia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. All locations of DNC decline coincided with areas of observed drought increase. The results obtained are one of the first observations of drought-induced decline and mortality of DNC at the southern border of boreal forests. Meanwhile if model projections of increased aridity are correct DNC within the southern part of its areal may be replaced by drought-resistant Pinus silvestris and Larix (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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