The Relationship Between Erect Deciduous Shrub Growth and Spectral Greening on the Bathurst Caribou Range
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Authors
Bonta, Carolyn H.
Date
2024-01-31
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Biogeography , Shrub , Treeline , Dendrochronology , Remote Sensing , Climate Change , Vegetation , Southern Arctic Tundra
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Canadian Arctic has simultaneously experienced rapid climate warming, increases in plant productivity (“greening”), and barren-ground caribou population declines in recent decades. Across the tundra biome, remotely sensed greening has been attributed to an expansion of erect deciduous shrubs, although the patterns and processes of shrub growth are heterogeneous. I applied field investigation and dendrochronology at different levels of the ecological hierarchy to examine recent patterns of growth of trees, erect deciduous shrubs, and other plant functional types in relation to climate. My research sought changes inferred from remote sensing within the relatively understudied treeline ecotone of central Canada on the late summer range of the Bathurst caribou herd. Consistent with previous studies, a high degree of heterogeneity manifested across sites that had greened and those whose productivity had remained stable according to remotely sensed time series trends. Overall, however, there was no significant difference in annual radial growth of trees and shrubs; in composition, establishment, height, or growth rate of shrubs; or in plant community composition between the two site types. However, subtle patterns of change and small differences were evident at all levels of the ecological hierarchy to suggest that dwarf birch is gaining dominance across the landscape and within plant communities, driven by increased secondary growth and a healthier, more productive canopy. Like birch, spruce growth has also been increasing, with both woody plant types responding to warmer temperatures. Greater birch importance at greening sites contrasted strongly with a greater importance of lichen and more bare ground cover at stable sites. A shifting dominance of shrubs can alter range condition and available forage for caribou, thereby also impacting the people who rely on caribou. In addition to improving our understanding of greening in relation to shrub expansion and climate sensitivity of woody plants at latitudinal treeline, my characterization of plant community change in recent decades can help identify areas for protection and monitoring on the Bathurst range, ultimately supporting recovery efforts for this ecologically and culturally important caribou herd.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 4.0 International