Missing rings of Larix sibirica associated with climatic elements on the Altai Mountains, China
摘要
The physiological structure and growth of trees in extreme environments (freezing temperatures, prolonged drought, wildfires, pest infestations, and diseases) can be inhibited, including radial growth, and stagnant growth or missing annual rings is highly possible. In this study, we analyzed the radial growth of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) in the Hongshanzui area of the Altai Mountains, China. The overall missing ring rate at the sampling point was 2.39%, with years with the highest missing rings since meteorological site data were available (1960) identified as 1960, 1961, 1971, 1973, 1985, 1987, and 1995. Radial growth in high altitudes was mainly affected by temperatures in May and June (average temperature, average minimum temperature, and average maximum temperature). Frequent periods of freezing may lead to missing annual rings. However, while Larix sibirica shows resilience after prolonged freezing temperatures, it still requires time for the trees to return to normal growth levels.