Effect of Climate Change on the Growth of Tree Species: Dendroclimatological Analysis

Forests

卷:13

Archana Gauli¹  Prem Raj Neupane¹  Philip Mundhenk¹  Michael Köhl¹ 

[1] Center for Earth System Research & Sustainability (CEN), World Forestry, University of Hamburg, Leuschner Strasse 91, D-21031 Hamburg, Germany;

关键词: tree growth;    climate change;    Pinus sylvestris;    Picea abies;    Pseudotsuga menziesii;   

DOI  :  10.3390/f13040496

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Tree ring analyses can assist in revealing the effect of gradual change in climatic variables on tree growth. Dendroclimatic analyses are of particular importance in evaluating the climate variables that affect growth significantly and in determining the relative strength of different climatic factors. In this study, we investigated the growth performance of Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, and Pseudotsuga menziesii in northern Germany using standard dendrochronological methods. The study further analyzed tree growth responses to different climatic variables over a period of a hundred years. Both response function analysis and moving correlation analysis confirmed that the climate and growth relationship is species-specific and variable and inconsistent over time. Scots pine and Douglas fir growth were stimulated mainly by the increase in winter temperatures, particularly the January, February, and March temperatures of the current year. In contrast, Norway spruce growth was stimulated mainly by the increase in precipitation in May, June, and July and the increase in temperature in March of the current year. Climate projections for central Europe foresee an increase in temperature and a decrease in the amount of summer precipitation. In a future, warmer climate with drier summers, the growth of Norway spruce might be negatively affected.

【 授权许可】

Unknown