Pine radial growth in the Trans-Baikalian steppe and taiga zones as a reflection of the climatic parameters and lake hydrological regime dynamics

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the annual rings width research of the trunk test core sampled from standing common pines. The purpose of the research is the analysis of the ability to use the radial recruitment changes of the trees growing in different natural zones for further reconstruction and prognosis of the climatic variables and lake hydrological regime. It was revealed that the dynamics of annual rings width in the steppe zone is characterized by the maximum values of the standard deviation and sensitivity to environmental factors in comparison with taiga zone trees. The radial growth of trees in the steppe zone shows a significant positive reaction to atmospheric precipitation and a negative reaction to air temperature from May to October. The influence of meteorological parameters on the annual growth of pine in the taiga zone is less considerable. The analysis of the synchronicity of changes in pine increments in the steppe zone with interannual fluctuations in the water level of Lake Barun-Torey due to the climatic conditions dynamics showed the significant correlation; therefore, the maximum correlation is observed with lake reaction lag for 4-5 years. Dendrochronological analysis of trees in the taiga zone (Baikal-Stanovoye Upland) revealed only a weak correlation with the average annual level of Lake Bount in the current year. Thus, the tree-ring chronology based on pines of steppe zone can be used for retrodiction of the hydrometeorologic elements.