Radial growth response of Populus euphratica and Picea schrenkiana to climate extremes on the arid southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains

Abstract

With global warming, the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme climate events are likely to escalate across a broad range of regions in the 21st century. However, the impacts of such extreme climate phenomena on forest ecosystems vary significantly across different geographical areas. Trees in arid zones tend to exhibit heightened sensitivity to climatic anomalies. This study uses dendrochronological methods to examine the relationship between climate extreme and two unique natural forests found on the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains—Diversifolious Poplar (Populus euphratica Oliv.) and Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et Mey.). The findings reveal a high degree of climate sensitivity in P. schrenkiana, in contrast to the relative stability of P. euphratica. The warming trend has notably altered the growth responses of both species to extreme climate events, with P. euphratica, due to its lower elevation habitat, experiencing more pronounced effects from extreme precipitation events compared to P. schrenkiana. These outcomes underscore the substantial perturbations that extreme climate changes can inflict upon radial tree growth. In light of these findings, tailored management and conservation strategies should be implemented for distinct climate extremes and tree species.