Vegetation dynamics and environmental change in the ecotonal zone of upper subalpine belt on Mount Fuji

本研究旨在揭示富士山上高山带交错带的植被动态及其环境因子。在西北坡，我们进行了以下植被和环境调查：测量树高和胸径、取样进行树轮分析、地形测量、观测空气和土壤温度和太阳辐射等。结果，我们可以理解树的高度变得更低，因为海拔随着不连续而变得更高。树高应与环境梯度相匹配，但应与自己的年龄相匹配。在该坡度上，发育了一种明显的阶梯状微起伏，可能会影响植被分布格局。分析这一阶梯的形成过程似乎与弄清垂直植被带的变化密切相关。为了弄清台阶的形成过程，我们在海拔2800米的台阶上设置了两条漆线。大约一年后，我们检查了沿着油漆线的碎石移动情况。他们确实只是在台阶上移动了一点，但在悬崖上。根据研究地点的气象资料，控制冰周现象的冻融期很短。根据该地区落叶松的生长形态，应不断吹强东南风。因此，该台阶应由风力和/或水流形成。此外，有必要研究植物建立与环境因素的关系。

The purpose of this study is to reveal the vegetation dynamics and its environmental agents in the ecotonal zone of upper subalpine belt on Mount Fuji. On the northwest slope, we conducted the following vegetation and environmental surveys: measurement of tree height and DBH, core sampling for tree ring analysis, surveying of topography, observation of air and soil temperatures and solar radiation, and so on. As a result, we could understand the tree height became lower, as the altitude grew higher with discontinuity. The tree height should match with the environmental gradient but with one's own age.On this slope, a conspicuous stepped microrelief which might influence the vegetational distribution pattern is developed. Analyzing the process of this step formation seems to be deeply concerned with making clear the variation of vertical vegetation zone. In order to clarify the process of step formation, we have set two paint-lines on the step at 2800m asl. About a year after, we checked the movement of gravels along the paint-lines. They did move a little only on a step terrace but a cliff. According to the meteorological data at the study site, a freezing or thawing period which should control the peri glacial phenomenon is very short. Based on the larch growth form in this area, it should be blown constantly strong southeasterly. So, the step should be formed by wind-force and/or flow of water.Furthermore, it's necessary to examine the relationship between the plant establishment and the environmental factors.