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Structure and Dynamics of Tree Stands at the Upper Timberline in the Western Part of the Putorana Plateau

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Abstract—

Analysis of the age structure of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) forests in the western part of the Putorana Plateau (Sukhie Gory Range) and comparison of diachronous topographic maps and satellite images have revealed changes in the altitudinal position of the upper boundary of tree vegetation. The most significant changes occurred on south- and southwest-facing slopes. Correlations of trunk diameters with the phytomass of trees and its fractions have been found. The course of changes in the structure and phytomass of tree stands in the upper timberline over the past centuries has been reconstructed. Forest expansion has been facilitated by the general change in climate conditions (warming) in the study area.

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Funding

This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project no. 17-14-01112.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620144, Yekaterinburg, Russia

    A. A. Grigor’ev, N. M. Devi, V. V. Kukarskikh, S. O. V’yukhin, A. A. Galimova, P. A. Moiseev & V. V. Fomin

  2. Ural State Forestry Engineering University, 620100, Yekaterinburg, Russia

    S. O. V’yukhin & V. V. Fomin

Authors
  1. A. A. Grigor’ev
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  2. N. M. Devi
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  3. V. V. Kukarskikh
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  4. S. O. V’yukhin
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  5. A. A. Galimova
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  6. P. A. Moiseev
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  7. V. V. Fomin
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Correspondence to A. A. Grigor’ev.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. This article does not contain any studies involving animals or human participants performed by any of the authors.

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Translated by D. Zabolotny

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Grigor’ev, A.A., Devi, N.M., Kukarskikh, V.V. et al. Structure and Dynamics of Tree Stands at the Upper Timberline in the Western Part of the Putorana Plateau. Russ J Ecol 50, 311–322 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413619040076

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413619040076

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