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High-altitude forest sensitivity to global warming: results from long-term and short-term analyses in the eastern italian alps

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The Impacts of Climate Variability on Forests

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Earth Sciences ((LNEARTH,volume 74))

Abstract

Dendroecological (long-term) analysis and ecophysiological (short-term) monitoring were used interactively to study the responses of tree-ring growth to climate in timberline mixed forests (consisting of Larix decidua Mill., Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Pinus cembra (L.)) in the Italian Eastern Alps (2000–2100 m a.s.l.).

Climate-growth linear response functions (LRF) revealed that warm temperatures in June and July have a positive effect on radial growth whereas precipitation during the vegetation period has no effect. Monitoring of the intra-annual radial growth dynamics using band dendrometers confirmed that the radial growth rate of the three species in June and July was greater when air temperatures were higher. Tree-ring formation lasted about 50–60 days (from mid-June to the beginning of August).

Tree responses to climatic factors were better defined by using Neural Network Response Functions (NLRF) and by assessing water relations. NLRF highlighted the presence of a clear temperature threshold effect, especially in June and July. Above 13–16 °C, the three species seemed unable to take full advantage of warm and sunny days.

We believe that these thresholds are mainly due to the very high stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit in the trees. High water availability during summer resulted in species becoming adapted to moist conditions, so a mild water deficit may have a major impact on trees, depending on the drought resistance strategies that have been developed. Picea abies and Pinus cembra are water-saving species whereas Larix decidua could be classified as water-using because of its high capacity for water uptake. These different responses should be taken into account when considering the effects of global change on timberline trees.

This research was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of University and Scientific and Technological Research (MURST) funds at 40%. The authors wish to thank the Regole of Cortina d'Ampezzo for having allowed the study in their forests. Special thanks to Fausto Fontanella, Roberto Menardi and Giuseppe Sala of the Centre of Alpine Environment for their valuable technical support. We also thank the Alberti and Alverà family, owners of the 5 Torri and Palmieri Refuges, for the kind hospitality offered throughout the work.

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Authors
  1. Marco Carrer
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  2. Tommaso Anfodillo
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  3. Carlo Urbinati
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  4. Vinicio Carraro
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Martin Beniston John L. Innes

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag

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Carrer, M., Anfodillo, T., Urbinati, C., Carraro, V. (1998). High-altitude forest sensitivity to global warming: results from long-term and short-term analyses in the eastern italian alps. In: Beniston, M., Innes, J.L. (eds) The Impacts of Climate Variability on Forests. Lecture Notes in Earth Sciences, vol 74. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0009772

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0009772

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-64681-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-69107-5

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