Influences of geomorphology and geology on alpine treeline in the American West: More important than climatic influences?

D R Butler; G P Malanson; Stephen J Walsh; D B Fagre

doi:10.2747/0272-3646.28.5.434

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Influences of geomorphology and geology on alpine treeline in the American West: More important than climatic influences?

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Influences of geomorphology and geology on alpine treeline in the American West: More important than climatic influences?

D R Butler, G P Malanson, Stephen J Walsh and D B Fagre

Physical Geography, Vol.28(5), pp.434-450

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3646.28.5.434

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Abstract

Atmospheric Sciences

Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience

alpine treeline

geomorphic facilitation

geologic control

biogeomorphology

ecotone

Rocky Mountains

American West

The spatial distribution and pattern of alpine treeline in the American West reflect the overarching influences of geological history, lithology and structure, and geomorphic processes and landforms, and geologic and geomorphic factors-both forms and processes-can control the spatiotemporal response of the ecotone to climate change. These influences occur at spatial scales ranging from the continental scale to fine scale processes and landforms at the slope scale. Past geomorphic influences, particularly Pleistocene glaciation, have also left their impact on treeline, and treelines across the west are still adjusting to post-Pleistocene conditions within Pleistocene-created landforms. Current fine scale processes include solifluction and changes on relict solifluction and digging by animals. These processes should be examined in detail in future studies to facilitate a better understanding of where individual tree seedlings become established as a primary response of the ecotone to climate change.

Details

Title: Influences of geomorphology and geology on alpine treeline in the American West: More important than climatic influences?
Authors: D R Butler (Author) - Texas State University, United States
G P Malanson (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
Stephen J Walsh (Author) - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
D B Fagre (Author) - United States Geological Survey, United States
Publication details: Physical Geography, Vol.28(5), pp.434-450
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Date published: 2007
DOI: 10.2747/0272-3646.28.5.434
ISSN: 0272-3646
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450186902621
Output Type: Journal article

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