Climatic Signals in Tree Ring Anatomical Structure of Larix gmelinii Growing under Contrasting Hydrothermal Conditions within the Forest-Tundra Ecotone

Abstract

The results of comparative analysis of tree-ring anatomical structure in the trunk of Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. growing in the forest-tundra ecotone in the north of Middle Siberia in contrasting hydrothermal conditions of permafrost soils are discussed. It is found that the best soil hydrothermal conditions affected the formation of relatively large tracheids in earlywood and latewood during the whole period investigated. Current climate warming has caused a positive trend in annual changes in the cellular characteristics in trees growing in relatively favorable soil conditions and has not caused observable changes in trees growing in adverse conditions. The wood anatomy structure of the water–conducting (earlywood) zone in the tree ring in favorable conditions is determined by the weather of late May and June, and in adverse conditions it is determined by the weather in late April and May.