Phenophase shifts across elevations on major mountains in North China

Аннотация

Previous studies have reported plant phenological changes along horizontal belts in North China, however, little is known about elevation effects on mountain phenophases in China, such as how vegetation phenophases shift across elevation on mountains, and how they change under background of global change. In this context, by application of remote sensing data, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), changes of spring phenophases across elevation on 6 typical mountains in North China, namely Wuling, Xiaowutai, Guandi, Migang, Huashan and Taibai Moutians, and the effects of elevation on phenophases along altitudinal gradients, were studied in current work. Preliminary results showed that, similar to our fi ndings of phenological changes in plain area in North China, the onset of vegetation phenophases in spring advanced on these mountains, while the ending time for autumn phenophases delayed in the past two decades. Trends for advanced spring phenophase increased signifi cantly with altitude in some mountain regions, and spring phenophase sensitivities to altitude are stronger in lower latitude than in higher latitude regions. Similar to foreign studies, it is reported for the fi rst time that global warming has led to a more uniform spring phenology across elevation in North China mountains in recent years. Findings will not only benefi t policy making for the government in the fi eld of ecological constructions, but also will be helpful to evaluate future climate change on vegetation in such areas.