Elevational changes in climate response of Pinus nigra pallasiana tree-rings on the Crimean Peninsula

Abstract

Climate change is most evident on the periphery of species distribution ranges. Using four tree-ring chronologies, we identified the most important climatic factors influencing the radial growth of black pine growing along an elevational transect on the eastern slope of Mount Ai-Petri (Crimean Peninsula), at the northernmost part of its range. The relationship between tree-ring width and climate was determined using response function analysis. Results indicate an increase in correlation between radial growth and hydrothermal data along the transect: from a near absence of any correlation at the lowest elevation to r = 0.6 at the top. This change in response was not only caused by differences in climatic variables, but also related to topography, soil, and bedrock features. The currently ongoing aridization may lead to a decrease in the stability and persistence of black pine stands only in the upper parts of Mount Ai-Petri.