Author(s):
Annette Baer - University of Oldenburg, Germany
Abstract:
The study of changes in high mountain ecosystems is implemented by using a combined dendro-ecologic and micro-environmental approach. By mapping and analysing micro-environmental parameters the main focus is lain on current ecosystem functioning. Information about the wood anatomy determining factors like snow cover, geomorphologic processes, grazing, etc. are recorded in annual tree rings of woody plants which are mainly represented by dwarf shrubs in high mountain landscapes. This provides the opportunity to complement a time scale to the analyses ecosystem changes. Using long-term measurements of climatic parameters and data about land use for the interpretation of annual tree rings it is possible to study reactions on micro-climatic site conditions as well as changes in climate and land use over past periods. Moreover, these results can be used for prognosis of future developments on the basis of changing environmental conditions.
The innovation of this approach refers to sampling and dendro-ecologic analyses of dwarf shrubs which enable spatio-temporal reconstructions of alpine ecosystems. Investigations are carried out on different spatio-temporal scales. The study includes micro-topographic, altitudinal, and oceanic-continental-gradients. The temporal axis is aligned with the annual tree rings (approximate 1 - 100 years) and the availability of long-term measurements of environmental parameters.
The aim of the investigations of dwarf shrubs in high mountain ecosystems is to synthesise spatio-temporal patterns in northern European high mountains which enable to derive information about future changes of ecosystem conditions.
The paper presents new results of field samplings and laboratory analyses from the first investigation periods in 2003 and 2004.
