Conifer Establishment Sites on a Periglacial Landscape, Glacier National Park, Montana

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dc.contributor.advisorButler, David R.
dc.contributor.authorResler, Lynn Michelle
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBryan, Deborah L.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberDixon, Richard W.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberFonstad, Mark A.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberMalanson, George P.
dc.date.accessioned2023-11-28T23:52:45Z
dc.date.available2023-11-28T23:52:45Z
dc.date.issued2004-05
dc.description.abstractThis dissertation examined fine-scale biogeographic characteristics of conifer establishment sites at three alpine treeline locations in Glacier National Park, Montana, by means of an intensive, field-based approach. The study is placed within the theoretical context of ecological niche theory, positive feedbacks, and theories of treeline location. Morphometric (shelter type, soil, surface microtopography) and biotic (species richness, density, foliar cover, and density) characteristics of microsites were analyzed using detailed data gathered at the three sites through transect and quadrat methods. Scale relationships among microsite variables are analyzed using ANOV A, chi-square, Markov chains, and regression. Relative consistency was found among microsite characteristics analyzed on a fine-scale. Shelter (boulders, solifluction risers and combination shelters) was found to be an important factor in initial stages of treeline advance at all three sites. Shelter types vary in the quality of protection they offer, as evidenced by mortality. Local soil patterns of organic material, depth and penetrability were similar among the sites. Geographic variability was found among the sites with regards to species richness, effects of exposure, and initial colonization.
dc.description.departmentGeography and Environmental Studies
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent202 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationResler, L.M. (2004). Conifer establishment sites on a periglacial landscape, Glacier National Park, Montana (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/17213
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectconifers
dc.subjectMontana
dc.subjectGlacier National Park
dc.subjecttimberline
dc.subjectgeomorphology
dc.titleConifer Establishment Sites on a Periglacial Landscape, Glacier National Park, Montana
dc.typeDissertation
thesis.degree.departmentGeography
thesis.degree.disciplineGeography
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University-San Marcos
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy

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