The dynamic land-cover of the Altai Mountains: Perspectives based on past and current environmental and biodiversity changes

We present climate-dependent changes in the high-mountain forest ecotone, old-growth forests, alpine phytocenoses, and deglaciated forelands in the Aktru glacial basin (Altai Republic, Russia). A number of independent sources (variations in upper treeline altitude, dendrochronological data, analysis of lacustrine sediments and botanical and geographical studies linked with the dynamics of glacial-dammed lakes in the Chuya and Kurai intermountain depressions) suggest Holocene temperatures reached about 4 degrees C higher than today. Unlike the European Alps, glaciers in the continental Altai Mountains disappeared before forming again. Also, the upper altitudinal limit of mountain forests during the Holocene was greater than in the European Alps. The high variability of mountain ecosystems in southern Siberia suggests their potential instability in a currently changing climate. However, periglacial successions associated with the strong continental climate and glacier retreat represent an area of increasing biodiversity and plant cover. The historical and current sensitivity of the continental mountains to climate variations which exceeds that of the European Alps requires greater understanding, environmental protection, and increased social responsibility for the consequences of anthropogenic contributions to climate change: the isolated Altai areas contribute little to climate changes, but are greatly affected by them.

Automated summary

The study presents climate-dependent changes in various ecosystems in the Aktru glacial basin, highlighting the influence of historical temperatures on tree line altitude and glacier dynamics in the Altai Republic, Russia. Unlike the European Alps, glaciers in the Altai Mountains disappeared before forming again, and the upper limit of mountain forests during the Holocene was greater than in the Alps. The high variability of mountain ecosystems in southern Siberia suggests potential instability under a changing climate.