Dynamics of sub-alpine forest ecosystems as affected by decrease in snowfall under climate change

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Abies mariesii is a dominant sub-alpine tree in the central Japan. Leader stems of tree-line A. mariesii at Mt. Norikura degenerate due to environmental stresses above the snow surface during winters, whereas shoots within snowpack were not affected by any stresses. High photon flux density in the early spring might have injured photochemical systems of A. mariesii leaves above the snow surface at the tree-line. Shoots above the snowpack line suffered from winter desiccation and embolism during winter over the snow surface. In early summer, stomatal conductance remained low due to embolism. Embolism did not recover until new xylem formation. Winter desiccation should decrease dry matter production over the snowpack line and the main production might be made by the part below snowpack line. Thus, decrease in snowfall in accordance with climate change should have an unfavorable effects on tree-line A. mariesii