Jahrringe als Indikatoren für extreme Standortsbedingungen im Gebirge: Schnee, Lawinen und Permafrost | Growth rings as indicators of extreme site conditions in the mountains: snow, avalanches and permafrost

Abstract

Snow, avalanches, and permafrost are extreme site conditions for plants. Reactions and adaptations to such extreme conditions can be reconstructed with growth ring analysis and linked with corresponding climate and disturbance data. On the basis of five case studies in and around the long-term research site Stillberg, near Davos, we discuss both the potential and the limits of dendroecology to understand the effect of such extreme site conditions. Despite some uncertainties in reliably assigning plant reactions, growth ring analysis is a valuable addition to better understand the effects of extreme site conditions on the survival and growth of plants. This can lead to improved management strategies associated with natural hazards, especially in the case of avalanches.