Rolland C. (1995).
Tree-ring and climate relationships for Abies alba in the internal Alps.
Tree-Ring Bulletin, Vol 53, pp 1-11.
- LANGUAGE English with French and German
abstracts
- SUBJECT Ecology, Response to climate
- KEY WORDS White fir, Correlation functions,
Climate.
- SPECIES Abies alba Mill.
- SITES Briançonnais, South-East of France,
Alps.
- ABSTRACT
The relationships between the tree-rings of the White Fir (Abies alba Mill.)
and climate in the French internal Alps are indicated by correlation
functions. This fir shows an accurate response to climate as well as long term
persistence for at least six years (MS=0.18, R1=0.65, and R6=0.27). Its growth
is strongly influenced by the previous year's climate, especially by prior
August rainfall, which enhances ring size, or by high temperatures, which show
the opposite effect. The most critical period extends from prior July to prior
September. This species responds positively to warm temperature from current
January to April, followed by rainfall in May and June, which leads to a
longer growth period. A favourable water balance seems to be decisive. Abies
alba can be affected by frost and seems to prefer a low thermal amplitude as
demonstrated by the analysis of the extreme temperature data. Moreover, even a
few days of excessive heat can reduce its growth.
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