Variability in an edaphic indicator in alpine tundra

Spatial patterns of soil in alpine tundra just above timberline may determine patterns of advance by woody species. Patterns of advance since the Little Ice Age show spatial aggregation. If soil resources have similar patterns of aggregation, they might determine the pattern of vegetation change. Ef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCatena (Giessen) Vol. 49; no. 3; pp. 203 - 215
Main Authors Malanson, G.P, Butler, D.R, Cairns, D.M, Welsh, T.E, Resler, L.M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Cremlingen-Destedt Elsevier B.V 31.10.2002
Catena
Subjects
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Rock fragments
Soils
Solifluction
Spatial pattern
Surficial geology
Treeline
United States
Montana
Glacier National Park
Solifluction
Spatial pattern
Rock fragments
Treeline
tundra
semivariograms
vegetation
alpine environment
soils
North America
spatial distribution
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Summary:Spatial patterns of soil in alpine tundra just above timberline may determine patterns of advance by woody species. Patterns of advance since the Little Ice Age show spatial aggregation. If soil resources have similar patterns of aggregation, they might determine the pattern of vegetation change. Effective soil depth (ESD), which takes into account stoniness, was measured in tundra just above present timberline on regular grids at two scales and across solifluction treads and risers. No non-random spatial pattern was found, nor was there any difference related to relict solifluction patterns. Current patterns of woody vegetation could not have developed in direct response to the pattern of effective soil depth found in tundra. These patterns may develop in response to other soil factors, but may also include positive feedback.
ISSN:0341-8162
1872-6887
DOI:10.1016/S0341-8162(02)00045-0