The Effect of Local Conditions on Tree-Ring Growth Dynamics of Gmelin Larch in the North of Central Siberia

Abstract

Results of dendroclimatic analysis for Gmelins larch stands from three sites located along a short topographic transect in a continuous permafrost zone in the north of Central Siberia are presented. Comparative analysis of tree radial growth rates and year-to-year variability, as well as climatic response of master chronologies was carried out in relation to the local habitat conditions. Obtained results indicate that spring and summer precipitation, but not summer temperatures, are the main climatic factors limiting tree-ring growth. At the same time, climate response of larch growth is sufficiently different at the sites located along a short distance. This finding and sufficiently differences in the rate and dynamics of tree radial growth show that site conditions (i.e. depth and the rate of permafrost thaw) are of crucial importance for spatial variability of tree growth on permafrost soils even within the neighborhood stands.

Keywords

• radial growth
• Gmelin's larch
• permafrost
• thermo-hydrological regime of soils
• local conditions