The previous chapters have provided a first insight into the heterogeneity, complexity and great physiognomic and ecological variety of the timberline phenomenon; a heterogeneity and variety that largely have faded out when scientists mainly focused on the one factor (mainly temperature) controlling the altitudinal position of timberline and on the physiological response of tree growth to the timberline environment. Spatial and temporal timberline structures reflect past and on-going changes caused by many external (e.g., macroclimate, effects of altitude) and internal factors specific to the ecotone (microclimates, soil conditions, succession, competition of trees and other vegetation, animals, ecological properties and requirements of the timberline forming tree species and others) interacting in a complex way. Topography is the only almost constant factor among them, if not affected by sudden changes due to landslides and similar events, for example, or when considered in geological terms. Mountain topography (convex, concave, gentle, rugged, smooth, etc.) determines the basic pattern of the spatial timberline structures (distribution of trees, soil moisture, soil temperatures, etc.) also under the influence of changing climate (Holtmeier and Broll, 2005).
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
(2009). Timberline Fluctuations. In: Holtmeier, FK. (eds) Mountain Timberlines. Advances in Global Change Research, vol 36. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9705-8_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9705-8_5
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-9704-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-9705-8
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)