The Comparison of Effects of Environmental Changes on the Growth Rate of Tree Species at Different Latitudes
In order to make reliable forecasts which allow people to predict the future forest dynamics globally under the climate change scenarios, the aim of this study is to identify and quantify the effects of environmental changes at various latitudes on the growth rate of diverse tree species. This multi-site demographic study incorporates a dendrochronological study, observational data and climate data to analyze the differences in tree response to environmental changes. The primary objectives of this project are: To assess how a particular tree species responds to the environmental changes at two latitudes differently and how these differences might influence the composition of forests at different latitudes in the future. For the field data, tree cores of two target species, red maple and sugar maple, were collected in several sites at UMBS and Ann Arbor. After getting the annual growth data of individual trees, a model was used to determine the main factors affecting the tree growth and how strong these factors are at these two latitudes. The results of this study would help with better prediction of future forest dynamic changes with finer resolution.
Xiaomao Wang, MS (CE)