This book is published as part of the broad area of research on the changing global climate and its impact on the environment. After an introduction into the complexities of the subject, the history and present state of timberline research are outlined. Chapters on the tree species at timberline and on the relationship of timberline elevation to marcroclimate, climate character and the mass-elevation effect follow. The main chapter deals with the physiognomic andecological differentiation of altitudinal timberlines, in particular with thetimberline controlling physical and biological factors, their interactions and their influence on the spatial structures and temporal dynamics in the timberline ecotone. Also, the feedbacks of trees and trees stands on the timberlineenvironment are considered. This is the base for understanding the response of timberlines to climatically driven changes, which are considered in the lastchapters. Gives a complex view of the altitudinal timberlines showing the many interactions of physical (climate, soil, topography) and biological factors (animals, fungi, etc.) shaping the timberline in relation to the varying localand regional conditions Provides a broad base to better understand and differentiate timberline response to the changing climate Provides an ample reference list (1.500 titles) INDICE: From the contents Preface.- Acknowledgements.- 1 Introduction.- 2 History and present state of timberline research.- 3 Definitions, terminology.- 4 Physiognomic and ecological differentiation of mountain timberline.- 5 Timberline fluctuations.- 6 Timberline prospects and research needs.- References.- Index.
- ISBN: 978-1-4020-9704-1
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 430
- Fecha Publicación: 01/05/2009
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés