Abstract
At first sight heat may not be expected to be an environmental constraint of significant importance in alpine environments, as low atmospheric temperatures are among the well-known common features of the alpine macroclimate (see Körner 2003). Although atmospheric temperatures are low, alpine plants – due to their small, prostrate growth form – often grow very close to the soil surface and can be surrounded by bare soil, causing a decoupling from ambient air temperature. In addition, the decoupling effect is promoted by an appropriate protection from cooling winds, a favourable slope, and exposure to the usually increased solar irradiation at high altitudes.
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We wish to thank Prof. Larcher for helpful suggestions on the manuscript and for access to the data of the PhD thesis of Maria Wildner-Eccher.
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Neuner, G., Buchner, O. (2012). Dynamics of Tissue Heat Tolerance and Thermotolerance of PS II in Alpine Plants. In: Lütz, C. (eds) Plants in Alpine Regions. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0136-0_6
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