Non-forested ecosystems dominate high elevation sites in coastal British Columbia, yet there has never been a comprehensive classification or mapping of all high-elevation community types. The objective of this study is to collate and expand upon previous classifications, and thereby to increase our understanding of the habitats and composition of these plant communities.

This report expands and clarifies previous classifications of non-forested plant communities from upper subalpine and alpine locations in coastal British Columbia. A total of 80 plots (releves) sampled specifically for this study were added to 202 releves from published and unpublished studies conducted since 1963. We used tabular and multivariate methods to synthesize and classify plant communities according to the Braun-Blanquet approach. Plant communities were classified into 37 vegetation units (associations or subassociations) which served as the basis of the resulting hierarchical classification. We describe the habitat and species composition of these vegetation units and their relationship to units recogized elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. We then present eight generalized habitat types which we propose as the basic units for future ecosystem mapping. Each of these habitat types includes a predictable mosaic of vegetation units whose pattern occurs at too fine a scale to map individually.

Bothrops bilineatus é uma das seis espécies presentes no grupo taeniatus, é reconhecida atualmente por duas sub-espécies: B. b. smaragdinus que se distribui pelo oeste Amazônico e B. b. bilineatus com distribuição disjunta pela Amazônia e Mata Atlântica. Este trabalho tem como objetivo testar a validade das duas sub-espécies com base em ferramentas moleculares, morfométricas, merísticas, hemipenianas e osteológicas, reconhecendo e delimitando as linhagens encontradas. Pretende-se ainda investigar as relações filogeográficas entre as populações ao longo da sua distribuição, analisando o tempo de divergência e os possíveis eventos associados a sua diversificação. Além disso, pretende-se comparar a variação molecular e hemipeniana de B. bilineatus com B. taeniatus (espécie filogeneticamente próxima) e as existentes nos outros grupos de espécies do gênero. Os resultados mostram que a variação genética e hemipeniana encontram se em diferentes níveis ao longo dos grupos de espécies em Bothrops, fornecendo informação relevante a nível intra e inter-específico. Foram recuperados seis clados estruturados para Bothrops bilineatus, representando quatro linhagens independentes e diagnosticáveis com base conjunta nos caracteres morfológicos, hemipenianos, osteológicos e moleculares: linhagem 1 - Amazônia central, basal as outras, linhagem 2 - Mata Atlântica+Escudo das Guianas externa às linhagens 3 e 4 Amazônia oeste parte sul e norte, respectivamente. Já para B. taeniatus quatro clados representando três linhagens foram recuperadas com bases nos caracteres moleculares e hemipenianos, porém se faz necessário buscar por mais caracteres morfológicos e osteológicos para melhor delimitar e diagnosticar as linhagens. As mudanças paleoclimáticas e geomorfológicas ocorridas na transição Terciário/Quaternário parecem ser os principais eventos a influenciar na diversificação das linhagens encontradas em Bothrops bilineatus e B. taeniatus / Bothrops bilineatus is one of six species in the taeniatus group, is now recognized by two subspecies: B. b. smaragdinus that distributes through western Amazon and B. b. bilineatus with disjunct distribution through Amazon and Atlantic Forest. This work aims to test the validity of these two sub-species, based on molecular, morphometric tools, meristic, osteological and hemipenial data, recognizing and delimiting lineages found. We also intend to investigate the phylogeographic relationships among populations throughout its distribution, analyzing the divergence time and possible events associated with it diversification. In addition, we intend to compare the molecular and hemipenial variation presented in B. bilineatus with B. taeniatus (phylogenetically close species) and those in the other groups of the genus. The genetic and hemipenial results show different levels of variation along the groups of Bothrops species, providing significant intra-and inter-specific information. Six clades structured to Bothrops bilineatus were recovered, representing four independent lineages diagnosable with joint based on morphology, hemipenial, osteological and molecular characters: lineage 1 - central Amazon, basal the others, lineage 2 - Atlantic Forest + Guayana Shield region recovered outside the sisters lineages 3 and 4 - western Amazon, southern part and western Amazon, northern part, respectively. As for B. taeniatus four clades representing three lineages were recovered with bases in molecular and hemipenial characters, however it is necessary to search for more morphological and osteological characters to better delimit and diagnose the lineages. Paleoclimatic and geomorphic changes in the transition Tertiary/Quaternary, probably are the major events influencing the diversification of lineages found in Bothrops bilineatus and B. taeniatus

Sediment accretion and elevation change in tidal forests, and the corresponding ability of these wetlands to keep pace with sea-level rise (SLR), represent data gaps in our understanding of wetland sustainability. Surface Elevation Tables and marker horizons were installed in three mature tidal forests and a restored tidal marsh, allowing us to measure elevation change, accretion, and subsidence. Additionally, we measured predictor variables to test for their significance in explaining accretion and elevation change rates. Mean accretion at our sites was 11.67 +/- 3.01 mm yr-1 and mean elevation change was -20.22 +/- 8.10 mm yr-1, suggesting subsidence occurring beneath the sites. Processes contributing to accretion and elevation change at our sites may be driven by hydrologic patterns. Comparing our elevation trends with SLR trends suggests that our study sites may not keep pace with SLR. However, we may be observing short-term oscillations that do not indicate true long-term trends.

Phosphorus (P) export from forest soils is mainly driven by storm events, which induce rapid flow processes by preferential flow bypassing large parts of the soil matrix. However, little is known about the dynamics, magnitude, and driving processes of P exports into surface waters. In this paper, we present the results of a monitoring study in a small forested catchment (21 ha) situated in the low mountain ranges of Saxony, Germany. During the fixed schedule-sampling (weekly to bi-weekly sampling frequency for a three-year period), a mean total-P concentration of 8 μg·L−1 was measured. However, concentrations increased up to 203 μg·L−1 during individual storm flow events. Based on the analyzed concentrations and continuously measured discharge we calculated mean annual export rates of 19 to 44 g·ha−1·a−1 for the weekly sampling frequency with different load calculation methods. If events are included into the annual load calculation, the mean annual export fluxes can be up to 83 g·ha−1·a−1 based on the different load calculation methods. Predictions of total-P export rates based on a sampling strategy which does not consider short-term changes due to factors such as storms will substantially underestimate P exports.

Phosphorus (P) export from forest soils is mainly driven by storm events, which induce rapid flow processes by preferential flow bypassing large parts of the soil matrix. However, little is known about the dynamics, magnitude, and driving processes of P exports into surface waters. In this paper, we present the results of a monitoring study in a small forested catchment (21 ha) situated in the low mountain ranges of Saxony, Germany. During the fixed schedule-sampling (weekly to bi-weekly sampling frequency for a three-year period), a mean total-P concentration of 8 μg·L−1 was measured. However, concentrations increased up to 203 μg·L−1 during individual storm flow events. Based on the analyzed concentrations and continuously measured discharge we calculated mean annual export rates of 19 to 44 g·ha−1·a−1 for the weekly sampling frequency with different load calculation methods. If events are included into the annual load calculation, the mean annual export fluxes can be up to 83 g·ha−1·a−1 based on the different load calculation methods. Predictions of total-P export rates based on a sampling strategy which does not consider short-term changes due to factors such as storms will substantially underestimate P exports.

Browsing patterns in large herbivorous mammals are complex and decisions regarding food items occur at different levels depending on internal or external factors such as energy requirements and available food sources. A broader understanding of the behavior of animals living in habitats of economic interests for humans enables human exploitation with as little impact as possible on the animals' habitats. In this study, individual moose (Alces alces) tracks in the snow were surveyed in a mountainous environment with spruce-dominated forest, to map out what was browsed in relation to what was available in forests of two age classes: young and older. The following hypotheses were made: (1) every potential tree a moose passes will not be browsed and the browsed trees will be browsed to different degrees, and (2) the amount of available forage and the amount of used forage will differ between young and older forest. The moose tracks were followed on skis or on foot and all trees within browsing distance along a transect of 50 meters were counted and signs of browsing were recorded. Control transects (without fresh tracks) were also surveyed in the same forest areas where moose tracks were found. The data showed a higher proportion of available trees in young forest (60%) compared to older forest (40%) (all trees along the track transects), and a higher proportion of browsed trees in young forest (26%) compared to older forest (17%) (excluding Norway spruce, Picea abies). Downy birch (Betula pubescens) was the most abundant tree (56%) and Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) the least abundant (<1%). Only 20% of all available trees along the track transects were freshly browsed to some extent, and even among the more selected species no more than around 50% of all available trees were freshly browsed. In young forest, Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and willow (Salix spp.) were the most selected by moose, while common juniper (Juniperus communis) was the least selected. In older forest, however, gray alder (Alnus incana) was the most selected, followed by willow and rowan, while downy birch was the least selected. No browsing on Ericaceous shrubs were recorded in any of the transects. The study underlines that many different factors influence moose browsing choices, but generally a varied diet is sought and forests of different age classes, not exclusively young forests, are used for winter foraging. / Betesmönster hos stora växtätande däggdjur är komplext och val kopplade till föda sker på olika nivåer beroende på inre och yttre faktorer så som energibehov och tillgänglig föda. En bredare förståelse om beteenden hos djur som lever i habitat där människan har ekonomiska intressen möjliggör mänsklig exploatering med så lite påverkan som möjligt på djurens livsmiljöer. I den här studien spårades individuella älgar (Alces alces) i snö i en fjällnära miljö med grandominerad skog för att kartlägga vad som betades i relation till vad som fanns tillgängligt inom två åldersklasser; ung och äldre skog. Jag ställde upp två hypoteser: (1) varje potentiellt födoträd som en älg passerar kommer inte att vara betat på och de betade träden kommer att vara betade i olika grad, samt (2) mängd tillgängligt foder och mängd nyttjat foder kommer skilja sig mellan ungskog och äldre skog. Älgspåren följdes på skidor eller till fots och alla träd inom betesavstånd längs en transekt om 50 meter räknades samt kontrollerades för bete. Även kontrolltransekter (utan färska spår) inventerades i samma skogsområden där älgspår återfunnits. Datan visade på en högre andel träd i ungskog (60%) jämfört med äldre skog (40%) (alla träd längs spårtransekterna), och en högre andel betade träd i ungskog (26%) jämfört med äldre skog (17%) (gran, Picea abies, undantaget). Glasbjörk (Betula pubescens) var det mest förekommande trädet (56%) och tall (Pinus silvestris) det minst förekommande (<1%). Enbart 20% av alla tillgängliga träd längs spårtransekterna var färskbetade i någon mån, och även hos de högre selekterade arterna var inte mer än runt 50% av alla tillgängliga träd färskbetade. I ungskog var asp (Populus tremula), rönn (Sorbus aucuparia) och sälg (Salix spp.) högst selekterade, medan en (Juniperus communis) var lägst selekterad. I äldre skog var däremot gråal (Alnus incana) högst selekterad följt av sälg och rönn, medan glasbjörk var lägst selekterad. Inget bete på bärris noterades längs någon av transekterna. Studien understryker att många olika faktorer påverkar betesval hos älg, men att en varierad diet generellt eftersträvas och skogar av olika åldersklasser, inte enbart ungskogar, nyttjas till födosök vintertid.

Dans un bassin versant, la connectivité hydrologique constitue un état hydrologique qui lie le versant à la zone riveraine. Ses impacts sur la production du débit et le transfert des éléments dissous vers le cours d’eau sont présumés substantiels. L’étude vise à 1) détecter les hydrotopes et les connexions hydrologiques à l’aide d’un réseau de puits qui permet la mesure des fluctuations de la nappe phréatique (NP); 2) identifier la variabilité spatio-temporelle et la signature géochimique des sources potentielles en eau à l’aide des éléments majeurs et traces et 3) examiner la contribution spatio-temporelle respective des sources en eau du bassin lors d’un événement de précipitation. L’étude s’effectue dans un bassin versant forestier du Bouclier canadien (l’Hermine). Nous démontrons l’existence de quatre hydrotopes représentant un gradient de convergence de l’eau, soulignant la diversité de comportement de NP. Les connexions hydrologiques se caractérisent par des coefficients de Spearman élevés des relations entre la profondeur de la NP et le débit, dans leur partie en aval, et s’enclenchent par le fill and spill. Le comportement de NP est influencé par la distance aux limites du bassin, l’horizonation du sol et la topographie souterraine. En somme, trois sources en eau se connectent à partir du versant vers la zone riveraine durant l’événement pluvial de manière chronologique: 1) les horizons B et la NP de l’ensemble du bassin (Sr); 2) les horizons LFH des zones de convergence (Ba et Zn) et 3) une dépression de sol humide sur le versant nord (Co et Mn). / In watersheds, hydrologic connectivity consists of a hydrologic state that links the upper part of a hillslope to the riparian zone. Its impacts on streamflow generation and transfer of dissolved elements towards the stream are considered substantial. This study aims to 1) detect hydrotops and hydrologic connections with a network of wells that allow measurements of water table (WT) fluctuations; 2) identify spatial and temporal variability and the geochemical signature of potential sources of water with major and trace elements and 3) examine the spatial and temporal contribution of sources of water within the watershed during a storm event. The study takes place in a small forested watershed of the Canadian Shield (the Hermine). We demonstrate the existence of four hydrotops representing a water convergence gradient, highlighting diversity of behavior of the WT. Hydrological connections are characterized by high Spearman coefficients of the relationship between WT depth and streamflow in their downstream portion. Some hydrological connections are engaged by the fill and spill mechanism. WT behavior is influenced by the distance limits of the basin, soil horizonation and subsurface topography. In sum, three water sources connect the hillslope to the riparian zone during the storm event in chronological order: 1) WT and B horizons of the entire basin (Sr), 2) LFH horizons of convergence zones (Ba and Zn) and 3) a depression of wet soil on north hillslope (Co and Mn).

Existing terrestrial carbon accounting models have mainly investigated atmosphere-vegetationsoil stocks and fluxes but have largely ignored the hydrological flux of organic carbon. It is generally assumed that biomass and soil carbon are the only relevant pools in a landscape ecosystem. However, recent findings have suggested that significant amounts of organic carbon can dissolve (dissolved organic carbon or DOC) or particulate (particulate organic carbon or POC) in water and enter the hydrological flux at the catchment scale. A significant quantity of total organic carbon (TOC) sequestered through photosynthesis may be exported from the landscape through the hydrological flux and stored in downstream stocks.¶ This thesis presents a catchment-scale case study investigation into the export of organic carbon through a river system in comparison with carbon that is produced by vegetation through photosynthesis. The Cotter River Catchment was selected as the case study. It is a forested catchment that experienced a major wildfire event in January 2003. The approach is based on an integration of a number of models. The main input data were time series of in-stream carbon measurements and remotely sensed vegetation greenness. The application of models to investigate diffuse chemical substances has dramatically increased in the past few years because of the significant role of hydrology in controlling ecosystem exchange. The research firstly discusses the use of a hydrological simulation model (IHACRES) to analyse organic carbon samples from stream and tributaries in the Cotter River Catchment case study. The IHACRES rainfall-runoff model and a regionalization method are used to estimate stream-flow for the 75 sub-catchments. The simulated streamflow data were used to calculate organic carbon loads from concentrations sampled at five locations in the catchment.¶ The gross primary productivity (GPP) of the vegetation cover in the catchment was estimated using a radiation use efficiency (RUE) model driven by MODIS TERRA data on vegetation greenness and modeled surface irradiance (RS). The relationship between total organic carbon discharged in-stream and total carbon uptake by plants was assessed using a cross-correlation analysis.¶ The IHACRES rainfall-runoff model was successfully calibrated at three gauged sites and performed well. The results of the calibration procedure were used in the regionalization method that enabled streamflow to be estimated at ungauged locations including the seven sampling sites and the 75 sub-catchment areas. The IHACRES modelling approach was found appropriate for investigating a wide range of issues related to the hydrological export of organic carbon at the catchment scale. A weekly sampling program was implemented to provide estimates of TOC, DOC and POC concentrations in the Cotter River Catchment between July 2003 and June 2004. The organic carbon load was estimated using an averaging method.¶ The rate of photosynthesis by vegetation (GPP) was successfully estimated using the radiation use efficiency model to discern general patterns of vegetation productivity at sub-catchment scales. This analysis required detailed spatial resolution of the GPP across the entire catchment area (comprising 75 sub-catchment areas) in addition to the sampling locations. Important factors that varied at the catchment scale during the sampling period July 2003 – June 2004, particularly the wildfire impacts, were also considered in this assessment. ¶ The results of the hydrologic modelling approach and terrestrial GPP outcome were compared using cross correlation and regression analysis. This comparison revealed the likely proportion of catchment GPP that contributes to in-stream hydrological flux of organic carbon. TOC Load was 0.45% of GPP and 22.5 - 25% of litter layer. As a result of this investigation and giving due consideration to the uncertainties in the approach, it can be concluded that the hydrological flux of organic carbon in a forested catchment is a function of gross primary productivity.

Dans un bassin versant, la connectivité hydrologique constitue un état hydrologique qui lie le versant à la zone riveraine. Ses impacts sur la production du débit et le transfert des éléments dissous vers le cours d’eau sont présumés substantiels. L’étude vise à 1) détecter les hydrotopes et les connexions hydrologiques à l’aide d’un réseau de puits qui permet la mesure des fluctuations de la nappe phréatique (NP); 2) identifier la variabilité spatio-temporelle et la signature géochimique des sources potentielles en eau à l’aide des éléments majeurs et traces et 3) examiner la contribution spatio-temporelle respective des sources en eau du bassin lors d’un événement de précipitation. L’étude s’effectue dans un bassin versant forestier du Bouclier canadien (l’Hermine). Nous démontrons l’existence de quatre hydrotopes représentant un gradient de convergence de l’eau, soulignant la diversité de comportement de NP. Les connexions hydrologiques se caractérisent par des coefficients de Spearman élevés des relations entre la profondeur de la NP et le débit, dans leur partie en aval, et s’enclenchent par le fill and spill. Le comportement de NP est influencé par la distance aux limites du bassin, l’horizonation du sol et la topographie souterraine. En somme, trois sources en eau se connectent à partir du versant vers la zone riveraine durant l’événement pluvial de manière chronologique: 1) les horizons B et la NP de l’ensemble du bassin (Sr); 2) les horizons LFH des zones de convergence (Ba et Zn) et 3) une dépression de sol humide sur le versant nord (Co et Mn). / In watersheds, hydrologic connectivity consists of a hydrologic state that links the upper part of a hillslope to the riparian zone. Its impacts on streamflow generation and transfer of dissolved elements towards the stream are considered substantial. This study aims to 1) detect hydrotops and hydrologic connections with a network of wells that allow measurements of water table (WT) fluctuations; 2) identify spatial and temporal variability and the geochemical signature of potential sources of water with major and trace elements and 3) examine the spatial and temporal contribution of sources of water within the watershed during a storm event. The study takes place in a small forested watershed of the Canadian Shield (the Hermine). We demonstrate the existence of four hydrotops representing a water convergence gradient, highlighting diversity of behavior of the WT. Hydrological connections are characterized by high Spearman coefficients of the relationship between WT depth and streamflow in their downstream portion. Some hydrological connections are engaged by the fill and spill mechanism. WT behavior is influenced by the distance limits of the basin, soil horizonation and subsurface topography. In sum, three water sources connect the hillslope to the riparian zone during the storm event in chronological order: 1) WT and B horizons of the entire basin (Sr), 2) LFH horizons of convergence zones (Ba and Zn) and 3) a depression of wet soil on north hillslope (Co and Mn).