Evidence of Recent Treeline Dynamics in Southwest Yukon from Aerial Photographs
Dates
Year
2007
Citation
Danby, Ryan K., and Hik, David S., 2007, Evidence of Recent Treeline Dynamics in Southwest Yukon from Aerial Photographs: Arctic, v. 60, no. 4, p. 411-420.
Summary
Pattern and extent of treeline change using sequential vertical aerial photography in the northern section of the Kluane Ranges of southwest Yukon are examined. One of the most common predictions is that continued global temperature increases will cause the tree-line to advance in elevation and latitude. Comparison of aerial photographs of southwest Yukon indicates significant changes in the spruce forest-shrub tundra transition. Many areas exhibit increased growth of individual spruce without an increase in stand density or an advance in spruce distribution. Increase in the elevational distribution of spruce is observed in comparatively fewer areas, typically in combination with other two types of change.
Summary
Pattern and extent of treeline change using sequential vertical aerial photography in the northern section of the Kluane Ranges of southwest Yukon are examined. One of the most common predictions is that continued global temperature increases will cause the tree-line to advance in elevation and latitude. Comparison of aerial photographs of southwest Yukon indicates significant changes in the spruce forest-shrub tundra transition. Many areas exhibit increased growth of individual spruce without an increase in stand density or an advance in spruce distribution. Increase in the elevational distribution of spruce is observed in comparatively fewer areas, typically in combination with other two types of change.
