Low-altitude Mountain Research Articles

Distributional response of the rare and critically endangered Ilex nanchuanensis to climate change in East Asia

Abstract Global climate change, dominated by climate warming, is seriously affecting the balance of global ecosystems, but the risk of species extinction is particularly high in low-altitude mountain areas. To clarify the response of the endemic and critically endangered species Ilex nanchuanensis to climate change, this study used the MaxEnt model to simulate and predict the potential habitat of I. nanchuanensis during the Last Interglacial, Last Glacial Maximum, the current period, and two future periods (the 2050 s and 2070 s). The results showed that the hottest monthly minimum temperature is the most important climatic factor affecting the geographical distribution of I. nanchuanensis. Furthermore, I. nanchuanensis will be at risk of population shrinkage and extinction in the future, with the center of mass moving further northwest as concentrations of greenhouse gases increase, especially in the 2070 s, when its geographical distribution shrinks the most under the RCP6 scenario. Therefore, to actively respond to the impacts of climate change, protected areas should be established around the geographical distribution centers of species, and core, buffer, and experimental areas should be scientifically and rationally delineated for the conservation and cultivation of germplasm resources.

Spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of cultural heritage sites and their relationship with natural and cultural environment in the northern Fujian, China

China’s northern Fujian, as one of the spatial carriers of renowned traditional Chinese cultures such as Minyue, Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism, tea, and porcelain, has preserved a wealth of tangible cultural relics, showcasing a profound cultural heritage and possessing strong research value and development potential. This study employs GIS spatial statistical analysis and map visualization technology to unveil the evolutionary processes of cultural heritage sites in northern Fujian, focusing on their spatial types, forms, and densities across different historical periods. Based on this foundation, the research further delves into the intrinsic relationships between the spatial distribution characteristics of cultural heritage sites in northern Fujian during various historical periods and the local natural and cultural environment. The results indicate that: (1) the spatial distribution of cultural heritage sites in northern Fujian varies across different historical periods, with the highest concentration and quantity observed during the Ming and Qing periods. In contrast, the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties period exhibits the lowest quantity and a more dispersed distribution. (2) Cultural heritage sites in northern Fujian are mainly distributed in the relatively flat terrain below 400 m above sea level, including middle to low-altitude mountain basins, river valleys, and low hills. In terms of distance from rivers, cultural heritage sites exhibit a clear distribution pattern along rivers, with a large number of them located within 0–6 km from the riverbanks. (3) The spatial distribution of cultural heritage sites in northern Fujian is influenced not only by macro-environmental factors such as topography, altitude, and rivers but also by micro-shaping from social and cultural elements like Minyue culture, tea and porcelain ancient road culture, Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism culture, religious beliefs and customs culture, and red revolutionary culture across different historical periods. This study contributes to the establishment of a model correlating cultural heritage sites with historical periods and provides an interdisciplinary methodological framework to understand the relationship between cultural heritage sites and the geographical environment.

Soil Moisture and Litter Coverage Drive the Altitude Gradient Pattern of Soil Arthropods in a Low-Elevation Mountain

This study sought to investigate the vertical distribution pattern of the soil faunal community in a low-altitude mountain area. On 8 July 2022, a low hill was selected as the study area, and soil arthropods were collected through traps. The leaf litter, vegetation type, and distribution quantity of each sampling site were investigated while the soil faunae were collected. In addition, the soil’s physical and chemical parameters were measured. The results of a one-way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the soil properties, leaf litter, and plant quantities at different altitudes within the research area. A total of 1086 soil arthropods, belonging to five classes and ten orders, were collected during the study period. The dominant species of soil arthropods at different altitudes were significantly different. The dominant species in low-altitude areas were Armadillidium sp. and Aethus nigritus. However, Eupolyphaga sinensis and Philodromidae were the dominant species in high-altitude areas. The results of a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis showed that the soil faunae at different altitudes were clustered into two communities: a high-altitude community and a low-altitude community. With the increase in altitude, the species richness of the soil arthropods gradually decreased, and their abundance showed a decreasing trend. A redundancy analysis (RDA) of the soil arthropods and environmental factors showed that soil moisture (p < 0.01), pH (p < 0.01) and defoliation (p < 0.05) had significant effects on the distribution of the soil fauna. The results of a Pearson correlation analysis indicated that different environmental factors had interactive effects on the distribution of the soil arthropods. The quantity and species richness of the soil arthropods in different sample lines were tested using a variance analysis. The results showed that there were significantly smaller quantities of soil arthropods in the sampling line closer to the trekking ladder. This indicates that human tourism, namely mountaineering activities, had a direct impact on the soil fauna. This study can provide a reference for and data support in the development of biodiversity conservation measures for forest parks in low mountain areas.

Retroceso del glaciar del Carihuairazo y sus implicaciones en la comunidad de Cunucyacu

The retreat of glaciers is a reality throughout the Andes Mountain range, especially in low-altitude mountains. One of these cases is the loss of the remaining ice mass in Carihuairazo (Tungurahua, Ecuador), which in recent years has experienced a considerable retreat. This research aims to characterize the retreat of this glacier and its implications for the nearby community (Cunucyacu) through the application of a multi-source methodology, which includes the collection of glacier aerial photographs, data from nearby meteorological stations, the use of global climate reanalysis data, interviews with community members, and mountaineers who work and frequent the area. To characterize the glacier’s mass evolution, a hydroglaciological model was applied, using input data from meteorological series, and its parameters were calibrated with the photographic record of the glacier’s outline. The results show a glacier loss of 99% of its surface in 1956 (0.34 ) by 2021. The model successfully simulates the glacier area variation over 67 years, revealing a continuous decrease since 1978, with short periods of recovery and equilibrium, where temperature is the variable that best explains the glacier’s retreat. However, the model fails to consider the effect of external factors, such as the eruption of the Tungurahua volcano that could enhance the glacier retreat. The Carihuairazo glacier is in a situation of inevitable disappearance, highlighting the vulnerabilities of communities facing this phenomenon as a consequence of climate change.

Energy Metabolism in Residents in the Low- and Moderate Altitude Regions of Central Asia with MAFLD and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The knowledge about the features of energy metabolism in MAFLD in the population living at different climatic and geographic heights is lacking. The goal of this study is to explore the biochemical parameters of blood and erythrocyte energy consumption in patients with MAFLD with and without DM2 living in the low- and moderate-altitude regions of Central Asia. Our study was carried out on patients living in low-altitude mountains: Bishkek, altitude=750-800 m; n=67 (MAFLD with DM 2: n=24; MAFLD without DM2: n=25; control: n=18), and At-Bashy District, Naryn Region, altitude=2046-2300 m; n=58 (MAFLD with DM2: n=28; MAFLD without DM2: n=18; control: n=12). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed according to history, laboratory tests, liver ultrasound, and exclusion of other liver diseases. The level of liver fibrosis was determined using the FIB-4 score. Blood adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was determined using the CellTiter-Glo method. Healthy residents living in moderate altitudes have significantly higher levels of cytosolic ATP in their blood (p+≤+0.05) than residents living in low mountains. MAFLD is characterized by an increase in the level of ATP concentration in their blood. ATP concentration decreased significantly in patients with MAFLD with DM2 living in moderate-altitude in comparison to those living in low-altitude mountains. The results suggest that chronic altitude hypoxia leads to a breakdown in adaptive mechanisms of energy metabolism of ATP in patients with MAFLD with type 2 DM.

Potential “downstream blocking” synergistic mechanism for urban warming in Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong

A notable environmental challenge at present is the occurrence of extreme heat events in many large cities such as Hong Kong. In this study, an idealized two-dimensional model for Kowloon is proposed to investigate the urban thermal environments in various wind conditions. The hourly weather is simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to evaluate the synergistic roles of urban heat island circulation, sea breeze and mountain slope wind in urban warming. The results highlight that certain background winds transform mountain slope winds into foehn-like winds that worsen the thermal environment in urban areas. These adverse effects are exacerbated in the presence of urban heat island circulation and sea breezes in Kowloon. This potential warming mechanism would lead to long-lasting high-temperature afternoons in urban areas, during which the region with the highest temperature experiences the lowest wind speed. A new theory termed “downstream blocking” is proposed, which clarifies how air masses descend after passing a mountain ridge when a downwind urban heat island exists. The findings can help explain the mechanisms of extreme heat events in Kowloon and provide novel perspectives for understanding the foehn-like wind effects in urbanized areas adjacent to low-altitude mountains.

Out of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau: Genomic biogeography of the alpine monospecific genus Megadenia (Biscutelleae, Brassicaceae).

Numerous high-elevation alpine plants of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) also have disjunct distribution in adjacent low-altitude mountains. The out-of-QTP versus into-the-QTP hypothesis of alpine plants provide strong evidence for the highly disputed assumption of the massive ice sheet developed in the central plateau during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In this study, we sequenced the genomes of most known populations of Megadenia, a monospecific alpine genus of Brassicaceae distributed primarily in the QTP, though rarely found in adjacent low-elevation mountains of north China and Russia (NC-R). All sequenced samples clustered into four geographic genetic groups: one pair was in the QTP and another was in NC-R. The latter pair is nested within the former, and these findings support the out-of-QTP hypothesis. Dating the four genetic groups and niche distribution suggested that Megadenia migrated out of the QTP to adjacent regions during the LGM. The NC-R group showed a decrease in the effective population sizes. In addition, the genes with high genetic divergences in the QTP group were mainly involved in habitat adaptations during low-altitude colonization. These findings reject the hypothesis of development massive ice sheets, and support glacial survival of alpine plants within, as well as further migration out of, the QTP.

What weather variables are important for wet and slab avalanches under a changing climate in a low-altitude mountain range in Czechia?

Abstract. Climate change impact on avalanches is ambiguous. Fewer, wetter, and smaller avalanches are expected in areas where snow cover is declining, while in higher-altitude areas where snowfall prevails, snow avalanches are frequently and spontaneously triggered. In the present paper, we (1) analyse trends in frequency, magnitude, and orientation of wet- and slab-avalanche activity during 59 winter seasons (1962–2021) and (2) detect the main meteorological and snow drivers of wet and slab avalanches for winter seasons from 1979 to 2020 using machine learning techniques – decision trees and random forest – with a tool that can balance the avalanche-day and non-avalanche-day dataset. In terms of avalanches, low to medium–high mountain ranges are neglected in the literature. Therefore we focused on the low-altitude Czech Krkonoše mountain range (Central Europe). The analysis is based on an avalanche dataset of 60 avalanche paths. The number and size of wet avalanches in February and March have increased, which is consistent with the current literature, while the number of slab avalanches has decreased in the last 3 decades. More wet-avalanche releases might be connected to winter season air temperature as it has risen by 1.8 ∘C since 1979. The random forest (RF) results indicate that wet avalanches are influenced by 3 d maximum and minimum air temperature, snow depth, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall. Slab-avalanche activity is influenced by snow depth, rainfall, new snow, and wind speed. Based on the balanced RF method, air-temperature-related variables for slab avalanches were less important than rain- and snow-related variables. Surprisingly, the RF analysis revealed a less significant than expected relationship between the new-snow sum and slab-avalanche activity. Our analysis allows the use of the identified wet- and slab-avalanche driving variables to be included in the avalanche danger level alerts. Although it cannot replace operational forecasting, machine learning can allow for additional insights for the decision-making process to mitigate avalanche hazard.

Study on transmission line icing prediction based on micro-topographic correction

For the requirement of refinement prediction of transmission line icing thickness, this paper presents an icing thickness correction method which combines the prediction using low spatial resolution with the correction of micro-topography features. By analyzing the regional characteristics of micro-topography, the areas can be divided into three categories: plains, high-altitude mountains, and low-altitude mountains. For each type of terrain, the quantitative correction model for the icing thickness is established, which is dependent on altitude, relief amplitude, slope angle, slope aspect, water system, valley line, ridge line, and saddle point. In this paper, according to the numerical prediction on the 3 × 3 km2 grids, the icing thickness of the transmission line on the 300 × 300 m2 grids with micro-topography is obtained using the correction method in Hubei Power Grid. The results show that the correction method is efficient and convenient to improve the accuracy of icing thickness prediction of the transmission line.

Spatial Distribution and Evolution of Ancient Settlements From the Neolithic to the Bronze Age in Dalian Area, China

The research on the spatial distribution and evolution of ancient settlements from the Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age in Dalian area is of great significance for a profound understanding of the prehistoric human-land relationship in Dalian area. The results showed that: ① The number of settlement sites in Dalian area showed an overall upward trend from the Mid-Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Most sites during the three periods studied were to be found 0–50 m above sea level (asl), with a significant increase in the number of sites located >50 m asl during the Bronze Age. In terms of gradient of slope, all settlements were concentrated on coastal plains or in low-altitude, hilly areas on relatively gentle slopes ranging between 0 and 6°. Settlements from each period faced in all directions, and were mainly located in river valleys or low-altitude mountain valleys with low terrains.② The proximity of ancient settlements to river courses during the Mid Holocene evolved, with Mid and Late Neolithic settlements usually distributed in the range beyond 3 km of the river buffer zone; the distribution of Bronze Age sites was relatively uniform, reflecting an increasing demand for water resources; the density of settlements was clustered between the Mid Neolithic and the Bronze Age, Neolithic sites being both the smallest in number and the most concentrated. ③ The spatiotemporal distribution and evolution of settlements in the Dalian area were influenced by the contemporary climate: the Mid Neolithic climate was warm and humid, and settlements were distributed principally on the various islands near present-day Dalian, and especially Guanglu Island; the Late Neolithic climate became increasingly drier and cooler, stimulating cultural advances and a slight increase in the number of ancient settlements, which gradually developed in the areas in and around present-day Dalian; during the cold and dry Bronze Age, the number of settlements across the Dalian region reached their peak, and it is widely distributed in various areas of Dalian. To a certain extent, this reflected a continuous improvement in the ability of the human population to adapt to the natural environment.

Positioning Climate Therapy Stays as a Health Tourism Product: An Evidence-Based Approach

Background: The relationship between Length Of Stay (LOS) and Metres Above Sea Level (MASL) of Climate Therapy Stays (CTSs) and their therapeutic effectiveness and efficiency has been under-researched in the last four decades. As a consequence, the potentials of short-term and low-altitude CTSs remain unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, it aims to ascertain whether LOS and MASL are related to the percentage change of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and the percentage change of FEV1 Compound Daily Improvement Rate (FEV1 CDIR % Change). Secondly, it aims to provide an evidence-based positioning of CTSs by considering the same specific variables. Methods/Analysis: The study focuses on young people (age ˂18) who have asthma problems. The Resource-Based Theory, postulating the valuability of natural resources generating above-average benefits, has been adopted as a conceptual lens. Primary studies carried out in eastern and western European countries and separately reviewed have been considered jointly. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between LOS and MASL of CTSs with FEV1Change (%) and FEV1Change CDIR (%) as indicators of health improvements. The descriptive statistics were implemented in calculating standardized and aggregated values. Findings: Negative and significant relationships have been highlighted between FEV1 Change (%) and MASL and between FEV1 Change CDIR % and LOS. In other words, subjects can achieve significant health improvements even by experiencing very short climate therapy stays at very low altitude mountain centres. Considering the FEV1Change (%) and the FEV1 Change CDIR (%) of climate stays by duration and elevation, the evidence-based knowledge platform has been established as a possible framework for developing an evidence-based marketing strategy for new health tourism products. Novelty/Improvement:Notwithstanding the need for further research, the metrics facilitating interdisciplinary, human health and economic studies have been devised. Further research on the effects of low altitude climate therapy stays could help define the healing potentials of macro and microclimatic conditions as potentially valuable ‘health devices’ for those suffering from respiratory diseases living in the COVID-19 era. Quantifying these effects through further studies, an evidence-based approach to formulating marketing strategies may be devised, useful both for supporting public health provision and policies, and for facilitating practitioners in health tourism interested in offering nature-based activities for their clients. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-02-04 Full Text: PDF

Contrasted effects of climate change on low-altitude relict Pinus uncinata stands in the Northern French Alps

This paper reports on climate-induced growth changes in relict, low-altitude mountain pines (Pinus uncinata Mill. ex. Mirb.) from two refugia with cold microclimates located in the Northern French Alps. The P. uncinata stands analyzed grow at the lower bound of their ecological limit and are thus thought to be sensitive indicators of ongoing climate change. Using dendroecological approaches, we compare tree-ring growth at two closely spaced low-altitude stands in the Chartreuse massif (French Alps): La Plagne and Cirque de Bresson. La Plagne is a N-NW-exposed, ventilated slope with cold air circulating in the scree during summer, and the presence of sporadic permafrost as well as ground overcooling, whereas Cirque de Bresson is located on a small, S-exposed fan with sporadic avalanche activity. At both sites, growth responses of P. uncinata to changes in twentieth and twenty-first centuries temperature and precipitation conditions were investigated by means of moving correlation analyses. At Cirque de Bresson, a significant and rapid decline in tree-ring widths has been observed since the early 1990s. We attribute this decline to (i) increasing air temperatures at the beginning of the growing season (May–June) as well as to (ii) a decrease in soil water potential. At La Plagne, we do not detect any significant trend between the higher summer temperatures and tree growth, presumably as a result of the circulation of cold air in the scree slope, which is thought to maintain fresh and humid soil conditions and therefore favor tree growth. These forest stands provide prime examples on how dendroecology can contribute to the study of the dynamics and local variability of tree growth and climate change in relict forest populations with high ecological and conservation values.

What affects the hydrological response of rain-on-snow events in low-altitude mountain ranges in Central Europe?

Rain-on-snow (ROS) events influence the hydrological regime of rivers in regions with seasonal snow cover. Although ROS events are often related to floods, they do not always cause severe runoff. During ROS, the snowpack has an ambiguous effect on runoff generation; it can either store a significant portion of rain or amplify runoff by additional snowmelt. There is a need to understand under what circumstances ROS events produce runoff. We analysed eleven years of hourly meteorological, snow water equivalent and streamflow data from 15 catchments located in two mountain ranges in Czechia. We identified 611 ROS events which were further analysed and classified using selected meteorological, snow and runoff indices. The analysis of the runoff response of all ROS events revealed that only 5% of them resulted in high runoff exceeding the 1-year return period, but most of the events (82%) did not cause any significant runoff increase. Employing self-organising maps enabled us to categorise the events and better understand what combination of hydrometeorological characteristics leads to various runoff responses. High volumes of rain together with low snow cover were identified as important factors in the generation of high runoffs. In contrast, a deep and extended snowpack affected by rain under low air temperatures usually caused lower runoffs. The results of this study showed the importance of the snowpack, which can often prevent extreme runoff even when a large amount of rainfall occurs. Understanding the hydrological regime of ROS is becoming even more important with the ongoing decline of the snowfall fraction and subsequent changes in snow storage.

Mountaineering Risk, Safety and Security

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the underlying mountaineering risks, safety and security issues found in the traditional activity known as mountaineering. The paper also highlights some of the commonly known and distinguished terms of mountaineering.
 Mountaineering is the art of moving through the mountains using a set of technical ‘mountaineering’ skills. In Europe, it is often called alpinism when done in the Alps, apart from known as trekking, hiking or even fell walking. It includes traditional outdoor rock climbing in a mountain setting, multi-day rock climbing, skiing, snow-shoeing, a multi-day journey in the mountains, whether camping or in lodges. Mountaineering is not necessarily restricted to the greater mountain ranges as many countries with low altitude mountains have many citizens that go ‘mountaineering’ inside their borders.
 There are no predetermined heights at which a hill becomes a mountain; many geographers state that a mountain is greater than 300m (1,000 feet) above sea level, but the Oxford English Dictionary puts the hill limit at 600m asl. Another consideration is the latitude of the ‘hills’. For example, the hills of Scotland, although the highest being Ben Nevis at 1345m asl, are considerably further north than the Pyrenees with its highest mountain, Pic Aneto, at 3404m asl. The arctic winds, the northern European winds and the south-westerly gales are as harsh as any found in the higher ranges.

Association between physiological responses after exercise at low altitude and acute mountain sickness upon ascent is sex-dependent

BackgroundAcute mountain sickness (AMS) is the mildest form of acute altitude illnesses, and consists of non-specific symptoms when unacclimatized persons ascend to elevation of ≥2500 m. Risk factors of AMS include: the altitude, individual susceptibility, ascending rate and degree of pre-acclimatization. In the current study, we examined whether physiological response at low altitude could predict the development of AMS.MethodsA total of 111 healthy adult healthy volunteers participated in this trial; and 99 (67 men and 32 women) completed the entire study protocol. Subjects were asked to complete a 9-min exercise program using a mechanically braked bicycle ergometer at low altitude (500 m). Heart rate, blood pressure (BP) and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded prior to and during the last minute of exercise. The ascent from 500 m to 4100 m was completed in 2 days. AMS was defined as ≥3 points in a 4-item Lake Louise Score, with at least one point from headache wat 6–8 h after the ascent.ResultsAmong the 99 assessable subjects, 47 (23 men and 24 women) developed AMS at 4100 m. In comparison to the subjects without AMS, those who developed AMS had lower proportion of men (48.9% vs. 84.6%, P < 0.001), height (168.4 ± 5.9 vs. 171.3 ± 6.1 cm, P = 0.019), weight (62.0 ± 10.0 vs. 66.7 ± 8.6 kg, P = 0.014) and proportion of smokers (23.4% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.004). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the following independent risks for AMS: female sex (odds ratio (OR) =6.32, P < 0.001), SpO2 change upon exercise at low altitude (OR = 0.63, P = 0.002) and systolic BP change after the ascent (OR = 0.96, P = 0.029). Women had larger reduction in SpO2 after the ascent, higher AMS percentage and absolute AMS score. Larger reduction of SpO2 after exercise was associated with both AMS incidence (P = 0.001) and AMS score (P < 0.001) in men but not in women.ConclusionsLarger SpO2 reduction after exercise at low altitude was an independent risk for AMS upon ascent. Such an association was more robust in men than in women.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registration, ChiCTR1900025728. Registered 6 September 2019.

Sphingomonas montis sp. nov., Isolated from Forest Soil of Low-Altitude Mountain.

Strain DRJ-4T was isolated from forest soil of a low-altitude mountain and was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. This strain was yellow-colored, Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, non-sporulating, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, and rod-shaped. Strain DRJ-4T was able to grow at 20-42°C, pH 6.5-10.0, and 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl concentration. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain DRJ-4T formed a distinct lineage within the members of the family Sphingomonadaceae of the phylum Proteobacteria and moderately related to Sphingomonas faucium E62-3T (96.67% sequence similarity), 'Sphingosinicella ginsenosidimutans' BS11 (96.45% sequence similarity), Sphingosinicella vermicomposti YC7378T (96.27% sequence similarity), and Sphingobium boeckii 469T (95.82% sequence similarity). The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and the major polyamine was homospermidine. The polar lipid profile revealed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, and sphingoglycolipid. The predominant fatty acids of strain DRJ-4T were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), C16:0, and C17:1ω6c. The genomic DNA G + C was 64.0mol %. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic analysis, strain DRJ-4T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas montis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Sphingomonas montis is DRJ-4T (= KEMB 9005-708T = NBRC 113142T).

Tourism development and adaptation to climate change through legal constraint

PurposeThis paper aims to present a legal study addressing the way in which tourism development and planning in mountain areas can be adapted to climate change issues. It gives examples of attempts to regulate such development by law. Recent legislation in France has created new obligations targeted at ski resort managers. Urban planning and tourism development are key topics of the new French Mountain Act (law of 28 December 2016). The law moves back and forth between two goals, economic development and the protection of nature, and it is sometimes difficult to understand the general coherence of the text. Nevertheless, two significant new legal elements can be highlighted. Planning policies in mountain areas have to take climate change issues into account in the process of authorising major tourism building projects. Moreover, for the first time, the law requires obsolete ski lifts to be dismantled when they are no longer in use. Of course, although these measures are only legally theoretical at the moment, they represent important progress and are initially relevant to many ski resorts affected by global warming, especially in low-altitude mountain areas. Many of these are already experiencing a lack of snow, and a new economic model needs to be drawn up.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a review of French laws having an effect on mountain areas’ adaptation to climate change.FindingsThis paper presents two innovations included in the new French Mountain Act (law of 28 December 2016).Originality/valueThis paper underscores problems emanating from global warming in mountain areas. Some ski resorts are facing a lack of snow. The main issue is to anticipate the fact that many ski lifts, or other structures or buildings created for the snow economy, could become obsolete. Legal tools can provide a solution by forcing administrations or operators to be cautious when making decisions relating to new tourist investments, and to dismantle obsolete ski lifts.

GDP Spatialization and Economic Differences in South China Based on NPP-VIIRS Nighttime Light Imagery

Accurate data on gross domestic product (GDP) at pixel level are needed to understand the dynamics of regional economies. GDP spatialization is the basis of quantitative analysis on economic diversities of different administrative divisions and areas with different natural or humanistic attributes. Data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), carried by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite, are capable of estimating GDP, but few studies have been conducted for mapping GDP at pixel level and further pattern analysis of economic differences in different regions using the VIIRS data. This paper produced a pixel-level (500 m × 500 m) GDP map for South China in 2014 and quantitatively analyzed economic differences among diverse geomorphological types. Based on a regression analysis, the total nighttime light (TNL) of corrected VIIRS data were found to exhibit R2 values of 0.8935 and 0.9243 for prefecture GDP and county GDP, respectively. This demonstrated that TNL showed a more significant capability in reflecting economic status (R2 &gt; 0.88) than other nighttime light indices (R2 &lt; 0.52), and showed quadratic polynomial relationships with GDP rather than simple linear correlations at both prefecture and county levels. The corrected NPP-VIIRS data showed a better fit than the original data, and the estimation at the county level was better than at the prefecture level. The pixel-level GDP map indicated that: (a) economic development in coastal areas was higher than that in inland areas; (b) low altitude plains were the most developed areas, followed by low altitude platforms and low altitude hills; and (c) economic development in middle altitude areas, and low altitude hills and mountains remained to be strengthened.

The grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Caelifera) of the grasslands in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Neotropical mountains host much of the Earth’s biodiversity. The Espinhaço Range of Brazil consists of a fragmented series of low-altitude mountains with extensive areas of grasslands. As is often the case with grasslands, grasshoppers are abundant and diverse in this ecosystem, although they are poorly known. The study was carried in three regions of the Espinhaço Range, located at southeastern Minas Gerais state: Serra do Ouro Branco, Serra do Ribeiro, and Serra do Cipó. The sampling of grasshoppers was performed using sweep and insect nets. Forty-six species (Serra do Cipó with 39 species, Serra do Ouro Branco with 25 species, and Serra do Ribeiro with 21 species) were collected. The richest family and subfamily was Acrididae and Gomphocerinae, respectively. This study recorded 17 new species occurrences to Minas Gerais.

A low-altitude mountain range as an important refugium for two narrow endemics in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot.

Low-altitude mountains constitute important centres of diversity in landscapes with little topographic variation, such as the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). They also provide unique climatic and edaphic conditions that may allow them to function as refugia. We investigate whether the Porongurups (altitude 655 m) in the SWAFR will provide a refugium for the endemic Ornduffia calthifolia and O. marchantii under forecast climate change. We used species distribution modelling based on WorldClim climatic data, 30-m elevation data and a 2-m-resolution LiDAR-derived digital elevation model (DEM) to predict current and future distributions of the Ornduffia species at local and regional scales based on 605 field-based abundance estimates. Future distributions were forecast using RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 projections. To determine whether local edaphic and biotic factors impact these forecasts, we tested whether soil depth and vegetation height were significant predictors of abundance using generalized additive models (GAMs). Species distribution modelling revealed the importance of elevation and topographic variables at the local scale for determining distributions of both species, which also preferred shadier locations and higher slopes. However, O. calthifolia occurred at higher (cooler) elevations with rugged, concave topography, while O. marchantii occurred in disturbed sites at lower locations with less rugged, convex topography. Under future climates both species are likely to severely contract under the milder RCP2.6 projection (approx. 2 °C of global warming), but are unlikely to persist if warming is more severe (RCP4.5). GAMs showed that soil depth and vegetation height are important predictors of O. calthifolia and O. marchantii distributions, respectively. The Porongurups constitute an important refugium for O. calthifolia and O. marchantii, but limits to this capacity may be reached if global warming exceeds 2 °C. This capacity is moderated at local scales by biotic and edaphic factors.