The influence of the lower Ob River runoff on radial growth of trees

Abstract

The influence of the Ob River runoff in its lower reaches on the radial growth of main forest-forming tree species-the Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour.), and larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.)-was studied in the north of Western Siberia in various test sites both at the riverside and at a distance of 3 to 80 km from the Ob River floodplain. Differences in responses of the radial growth to air temperature in October and repeated frost damage of tree annual rings are observed in the Siberian spruce and Siberian stone pine depending on the distance from the river. The correlations of the radial growth of trees and frost damage with the effect of the Ob River runoff are discussed.