This study examines the changing conditions at high elevation alpine treeline ecotones (ATEs) in the southern Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Using age reconstructions from core and disc samples removed from trees at ATEs throughout the Kananaskis Valley of Alberta, we were able to identify statistically significant correlations between warming winter temperatures and seedling establishment at elevations beyond the present treeline. Further, we were able to identify multi-phase patterns of upslope treeline encroachment, suggesting climate as a key driver of initial seedling establishment beyond modern treeline elevations succeeded by a secondary process of forest density infilling largely controlled by the availability of local viable seed sources and the alterations of local microclimates that promote heightened seedling establishment. The results suggest that ongoing anthropogenic climate warming will continue to drive the upslope encroachment of ATEs in Kananaskis Country, Alberta.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/5339 |
| Date | 18 January 2013 |
| Creators | Brown, Robert |
| Contributors | Gedalof, Ze'ev |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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