Experimental Investigations on the Environmental Determination of δ¹³C at Different Altitudes

Abstract

The influence of environmental variables which are known to change with altitude on the δ13C of leaves of Nardus stricta, have been investigated in controlled environment experiments. Low temperature and an increased incidence of freezing temperatures caused δ13C to increase. In contrast, lowered atmospheric pressure reduced δ13C. Increased leaf surface wetness and soil water content also caused a decrease. Plants from different altitudes did not differ consistently or significantly in their responses.