Influence of snow patterns and snow avalanches on the alpine treeline ecotone

Stephen J Walsh; D R Butler; T R Allen; G P Malanson

doi:10.2307/3235881

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Influence of snow patterns and snow avalanches on the alpine treeline ecotone

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Influence of snow patterns and snow avalanches on the alpine treeline ecotone

Stephen J Walsh, D R Butler, T R Allen and G P Malanson

Journal of Vegetation Science, Vol.5(5), pp.657-672

1994

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3235881

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Abstract

Plant Biology

Ecology

Forestry Sciences

GIS

Glacier National Park

Hierarchical model

Multitemporal remote sensing

Multiple regression

Transition matrix

Snow avalanches, snow accumulation, and snow ablation patterns were mapped and analyzed to assess their impact on the three-dimensional position, composition (closed canopy forest, open canopy forest, meadow, krummholz, and non-vegetated surfaces), and spatial structure of the Alpine Treeline Ecotone (ATE) in a portion of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. Multitemporal Landsat Multispectral Scanner data were processed to derive snow accumulation and ablation patterns throughout a snow season. Landsat Thematic Mapper data were processed and combined with aerial photo interpretations for discerning and characterizing snow avalanche paths. Transition matrices were used to assess the change in the state of snow cover conditions, whereas multiple regression analyses were used to examine the position and character of snow avalanche paths. The analyses were framed and implemented within a geographic information system (GIS) approach. Results indicate a snowmelt pattern progressing from zonal to azonal; influence of local site and situation factors in snow accumulation and ablation patterns; and the importance of topography, geologic structure, and lithology in defining the starting elevation and source area of snow avalanche paths. Finally, a conceptual process is presented where sites affected by stresses and disturbances are analyzed at a local spatial scale for analysis through a deterministic model, whereas regional stresses and disturbances are assessed through remote sensing and GIS approaches for analysis through empirical models.

Details

Title: Influence of snow patterns and snow avalanches on the alpine treeline ecotone
Authors: Stephen J Walsh (Author) - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
D R Butler (Author) - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
T R Allen (Author) - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
G P Malanson (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
Publication details: Journal of Vegetation Science, Vol.5(5), pp.657-672
Publisher: Opulus Press
Date published: 1994
DOI: 10.2307/3235881
ISSN: 1100-9233
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449351102621
Output Type: Journal article

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