Climate and treeline dynamics in the Ukrainian Carpathians Mts

Abstract

In this paper we examine climate change and treeline dynamics of the Ukrainian Carpathians Mts during the 20 th century. Changes in atmospheric circulation responsible for higher summer and winter temperatures are examined. Comparison of treeline positions in 1930s and 2000 reveals a decrease of area above the treeline and a general rise of treeline elevation, mostly in places where the treeline is formed by coniferous species. However, at locations with predominantly deciduous species there is little or no change. The magnitude of change is spatially heterogeneous. We consider warmer temperatures, among other relevant factors, to have impacted the observed treeline changes.