Effects of climate change on mountain ecosystems -- Upward shifting of alpine plants
- Univ. of Vienna (Austria)
Ecosystems at high latitudes and altitudes are particularly sensitive to climate change. As an effect of global warming, upward shifting of plant species in high mountain systems was predicted for the near future. In consequence the habitats of the alpine and nival vegetation could be restricted drastically, which might result in extinctions, particular of summit floras. Evidence of upward movement of vascular plants in high mountains was recently empirically determined in the European Alps. In 1992 and 1993, data on the flora of 30 high summits were collected. A comparison of the recent investigations with historical records from the same peaks indicated a distinct increase of species richness at 70% of the summits. A stagnation or a slight decrease of species richness was recorded at 9 summits, but one of them showed an increase in species abundance. The change of species richness is correlated with the geomorphological situation, whereas no significant difference could be found by comparing siliceous and carbonate summits. Approximate moving rates for common alpine plants were calculated to be between 0 and 4 meters per decade. This evidence of upward shifting of high mountain plants may already be a measurable result of global warming since the 19th century.
- OSTI ID:
- 379668
- Journal Information:
- World Resource Review, Vol. 8, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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