Andean treelines in a changing climate: Predicting forest persistence and upslope advance

Research summary

Global observations show that many high-elevation treelines are not advancing in spite of climatic warming. In this project, we aim to gain in-depth insight into the future of Andean treeline forests in a changing climate by predicting their persistence and upslope advance. This will be done by modelling potential microrefugial areas for treeline forests (suitable sites for tree growth in long-term) based on microtopography and current and future climate.

Description

Research info

Research title
Andean treelines in a changing climate: Predicting forest persistence and upslope advance

Research timeline
1.9.2016 - 1.8.2019

Keywords
Andes climate change drought human impact microclimate microrefugia temperature treelines

Region
Latin America

Countries
Finland, Germany, Peru

Institution
University of Turku
Biodiversity Unit
Turku, Finland

Funding instrument
Other, Other

Head of research
Johanna Toivonen

Research team
Johanna Toivonen, Maaike Bader, Carlos Gonzales-Inca, Nilton Montoya

Partners
Philips-University of Marburg, University San Antonio Abad of Cuzco

Contact information
Johanna Toivonen
0503710250
jomito@utu.fi

Record last updated
3.2.2018