Abstract Detail

Stress Tolerance

Sinclair, Jordan [1], Bradford, John [2], Kashian, Dan [3].

The effects of drought on Aspen growth and vigor in Northern Minnesota.

Increasing numbers of ecosystem types have experienced tree mortality assumed to be caused by climate variability over the past several decades, but the relationship between climate and tree mortality is not well understood. Several potential mechanisms have been suggested to account for declining aspen growth and stand mortality across the country, yet quantitative studies are rare. Understanding the relationship between climate variability and aspen growth and vigor is of particular importance because of climate forecasts that include greater frequency and severity of drought events. In this study, we used dendrochronological methods to sample 28 aspen stands, stratified by age, across a wide geographical range in northern Minnesota to estimate stand level productivity. These growth data were then compared to weather data (precipitation and temperature) from the same area to determine aspen growth and vigor sensitivity to significant climate events. Declining stands clearly respond to different climate variables compared to healthy stands. Of particular interest is declining stands positive relationship with late season precipitation, while healthy stands respond positively to warm winters, cool summers, and mid-growing season precipitation. Understanding the long-term species-related growth and mortality responses of aspen stands to climate variability will allow us to better predict future aspen forest health in the Lake States and will support proactive rather than reactive management.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Wayne State University, Biology, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA, 3139488516
2 - U.S.Geological Survey, Colorado Plateau Research Station, Building 56 P.O. Box 5614 Northern Arizona Univers, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
3 - Wayne State Univerisy, Biological Sciences, 1360 Biological Science Building, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

Keywords:
Aspen
climate change.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PST001
Abstract ID:185