A quantitative study on the mass elevation effect of the Rocky Mountains and its significance for treeline distribution. (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Jing; Zhang, Baiping; He, Wenhui; Yao, Yonghui; Zhang, Wenjie; Zhao, Chao
• Is Part Of: Physical geography. Volume 38:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Rocky Mountains -- mass elevation effect -- air temperature rise -- treeline; Physical geography -- Periodicals; 910.02
• DOI: 10.1080/02723646.2017.1281013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-3646

Abstract

Abstract: The Rocky Mountains are the highest and most extensive in North America. Their mass-elevation effect (MEE) should be strong and responsible for the high elevations of treelines in the interior of the mountain range. However, the MEE has been little known. We calculated the temperature difference (Δ T ) between the inner and outer Rocky Mountains at the same elevation and defined it as the magnitude of MEE. Results show a mean Δ T of 1.8°C, with the highest Δ T occurring in Colorado and the basins of southern Wyoming. The MEE can be modelled with three factors: mountain base elevation (MBE), latitude, and hygric continentality. The model has a high explanatory power of 68.90%, and the three factors contribute 45.65, 36.05, and 18.03%, respectively. MBE contributed most to MEE, both in the whole range (45.65%) and in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (55.21%). Treeline is higher in the interior than the outside of the mountain range, by 700–1400 m. This difference coincides well with air temperature differences. This study developed a quantitative model for the MEE of the Rocky Mountains and improves our understanding of the intra-mountain ecology and high treelines of the Rocky Mountains.