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Fir Decline and Mortality in the Southern Siberian MountainsIncreased dieback and mortality of dark needle conifer (DNC) stands (composed of fir (Abies sibirica),Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and spruce (Picea obovata))were documented in Russia during recent decades. Here we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of fir decline and mortality in the southern Siberian Mountains based on satellite, in situ and dendrochronological data. The studied stands are located within the boundary between DNC taiga to the north and forest-steppe to the south. Fir decline and mortality were observed to originate where topographic features contributed to maximal water-stress risk, i.e., steep (1825),convex, south-facing slopes with a shallow well-drained root zone. Fir regeneration survived droughts and increased stem radial growth, while upper canopy trees died. Tree ring width(TRW) growth negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit (VPD), drought index and occurrence of late frosts, and positively with soil water content. Previous year growth conditions (i.e., drought index, VPD, soil water anomalies)have a high impact on current TRW (r 0.600.74). Fir mortality was induced by increased water stress and severe droughts (as a primary factor) in synergy with bark-beetles and fungi attacks (as secondary factors). Dendrochronology data indicated that fir mortality is a periodic process. In a future climate with increased aridity and drought frequency, fir (and Siberian pine) may disappear from portions of its current range (primarily within the boundary with the forest steppe)and is likely to be replaced by drought-tolerant species such as Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.
Document ID
20170002655
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kharuk, Viacheslav I.
(Sukachev Institute of Forest Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Im, Sergei T.
(Sukachev Institute of Forest Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Petrov, Ilya A.
(Sukachev Institute of Forest Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Dvinskaya, Mariya, L.
(Sukachev Institute of Forest Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Fedotova, Elena V.
(Sukachev Institute of Forest Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Ranson, Kenneth J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
March 29, 2017
Publication Date
November 11, 2016
Publication Information
Publication: Regional Environmental Change
Publisher: Springer
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1436-3798
e-ISSN: 1436-378X
Subject Category
Exobiology
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN40358
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG11HP16A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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