Abstract
The general trend of climatically-driven treeline advance is modified by regional, local and temporal variations. Treelines will not advance in a closed front parallel to the shift of any isotherm to higher elevations and more northern latitudes. The effects of varying topography on site conditions and the after-effects of historical disturbances by natural and anthropogenic factors may override the effects of slightly higher average temperatures. Moreover, the varying treeline-forming species respond in different ways to a changing climate. Forest advance upwards and northwards primarily depends on successful regeneration and survival of young growth rather than on increasing growth rates of mature trees. Every assessment of treeline response to future climate change must consider the effects of local site conditions and feedbacks of increasing tree population in modulating the climatically-driven change. Treeline-shift will influence regional and local climates, pedogenesis, plant communities, animal populations and biodiversity as well as having a considerable effect on economic changes in primary production. A better understanding of the functional relationships between the many treeline-relevant factors and treeline dynamics can be achieved only by extensive research at different scales within different climatic regions supported by as many as possible experimental studies in the field together with laboratory and remote sensing techniques.
Highlights
Broll fter the major mid-Holocene treeline retreat it has been necessary to wait until the end of the “Little
Little information is available on treeline response to present climate changes in the southern hemisphere and in the tropics (Rundel et al 1994; Villalba et al 1997; Wardle & Coleman 1992; Cuevas 2000, 2002; Biondi 2001; Cullen et al 2001; Bader 2007)
From a global view point, the increase of thermal deficiency with increasing altitude and latitude is the ultimate cause affecting tree physiological processes. From this it follows that regeneration and survival are affected both directly and indirectly
Summary
A fter the major mid-Holocene treeline retreat (ca. 4000 - 5000 BP) it has been necessary to wait until the end of the “LittleIce Age” in the late 1800s to witness the initiation of migration of plants and shifts of climatic treeline to greater elevations and higher latitudes. Seedlings and young growth are being more affected by injurious climatic and biotic (snow fungi infection) influences than might be expected due to the anthropogenically caused low position of the present forest limit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
