Abstract
One of the effects of climate change is, among others, changes to forest ecosystems. Research Highlights: Temperature increases and upward tree line shifts are linked in many studies. However, the impact of climate change on tree lines has not been studied in Greece. Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the relation of tree line shifts and climate change in Olympus mountain, and especially in a protected area. Materials and Methods: In the Olympus mountain, which includes a protected area (the Olympus National Park core) since 1938, GIS data regarding forest cover were analyzed, while climate change from a previous study is presented. Results: Forest expansion and an upward tree line shift are proven in the Olympus mountain area. In the National Park core, the tree line shift is the result of climate change and attributed to the significant temperature increase in the growing season. Conclusions: There are strong indications that a temperature increase leads to an upward shift of the tree lines in the National Park core.
Highlights
The natural environment is expected to be strongly impacted by global warming
In the National Park core, the tree line shift is the result of climate change and attributed to the significant temperature increase in the growing season
There are strong indications that a temperature increase leads to an upward shift of the tree lines in the National Park core
Summary
Wide parts of Southern Europe will be affected severely by climate impacts [1]. One of the major effects of climate change on forest ecosystem is changes in forest boundaries, with upward shifts in tree lines [2,3,4,5]. According to Paulsen et al [6], there is an abrupt shift in the growth rates of the tree line, especially in plant species such as Alpine [6]. As Motta and Nola [7] postulate, there are significant growth trends and changing aspects of the alpine plant communities and species compositions [7]. It is important to understand the drivers of these trends in the alpine ecological community [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
