Influence of increasing elevation on growth characteristics at timberline

Abstract

Significant differences in growing-season air and soil temperatures were found with increasing elevation in the upper montane and forest–alpine tundra ecotone. Temperature inversions in topographic depressions were frequent, especially during the growing season. Variability in bud flush timing with elevation was best accounted for by soil temperatures; however, air temperature recorded within a mat conifer also correlated well with bud flush timing. Significant differences in shoot elongation, needle length, and cuticular thickness were found with differences in climate and elevational changes.