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1 November 2010 Alpine and Subalpine Vegetation Chronosequences following Deglaciation in Coastal Alaska
K. Boggs, S. C. Klein, J. Grunblatt, T. Boucher, B. Koltun, M. Sturdy, G. P. Streveler
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Abstract

Glacial recession is a major process in terrestrial ecosystems of the world and an obvious result of global warming. Here we describe the alpine (above tree line) and subalpine forested and wetland/peatland vegetation chronosequences in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. We derived the results from three products: (1) deglaciation map of 50,000-, 13,000-, and 1- to 246-year-old (Neoglacial) surfaces; (2) a landcover map; and (3) a plant association classification. For the alpine chronosequence, Neoglacial surfaces are dominated by the tall shrub (>1.5 m) (Alnus and Salix), dwarf shrub (<0.1 m) (Salix and Dryas), and mesic herbaceous landcover classes. These landcover classes also dominate the 13,000- and 50,000-year-old surfaces but dwarf shrub dominance changes to ericaceous. The subalpine forested chronosequence consists of Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa and Picea sitchensis classes dominating the mid- and late-seral Neoglacial surfaces, then Tsuga mertensiana and Picea sitchensis classes dominating the 13,000- and 50,000-year-old surfaces. Wetlands/peatlands are rare on the Neoglacial and 13,000-year-old surfaces but common on the 50,000-year-old surface. Alnus is rare on the 50,000-year-old surface yet common on the 13,000-year-old surface and, we speculate, is a relict from the end of the Pleistocene.

K. Boggs, S. C. Klein, J. Grunblatt, T. Boucher, B. Koltun, M. Sturdy, and G. P. Streveler "Alpine and Subalpine Vegetation Chronosequences following Deglaciation in Coastal Alaska," Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 42(4), 385-395, (1 November 2010). https://doi.org/10.1657/1938-4246-42.4.385
Accepted: 1 May 2010; Published: 1 November 2010
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