Effects of fire on geomorphic factors and seedling site conditions within the alpine treeline ecotone, Glacier National Park, MT

Abstract

This paper evaluates the geomorphic effects of fire on the alpine treeline ecotone and how those effects influence post-fire seedling establishment conditions. Forest fires are becoming more common in high elevations, and ecosystem responses in these areas are not well studied. Results indicated that burned areas experienced increased soil loss, complete loss of the duff layer, less compact soils, larger clast sizes, and increased rock spalling, and altered seedling site conditions. Seedlings showed distinct preferences for micro-sites with deeper, less compact soils, and a greater cover of rock. The effects of fire within the alpine treeline ecotone will affect treeline position and geomorphic processes within these higher elevations.