Vegetation development on the glacier forefield Morteratsch (Switzerland)

Abstract

Abstract. Within the glacier forefield Morteratsch (1900–2100 m a.s.l.)near Pontresina, OberEngadin, Switzerland), the dominant plant species and communities of areas, deglaciated between 1857 and 1997, have been investigated. This study takes three species groups into consideration: (1) pioneer species; (2) subalpine forest and dwarf‐shrub/heath species; and (3) grassland species. On the basis of species cover‐abundance values and age data on the deglaciated areas, time‐related dynamics of selected plant species and the establishment of the Epilobietum fleischeri, Oxyrietum digynae and Larici‐Pinetum cembrae were estimated. First, invaders of the Epilobietum fleischeri appeared after ca.7yr (obtaining higher cover‐abundance values after ca. 27 yr). This community persists on the whole glacier forefield. The first plants of the Oxyrietum digynae appear after ca. 12 yr (though earlier on some sites); this community disappears after ca. 27 yr. The establishment of the Larici‐Pinetum cembrae took place after ca. 77 yr, while the climax stage was reached after ca. 97 yr since deglaciation.