Ecological response of trees to simulated climate change along an altitudinal gradient (CLIMARBRE)

Assessing the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems is challenging as it takes several decades to observe an ecological response. Using a transplantation experiment in the Swiss Jura Mountains we study the adaptability of beech and spruce to simulated climate change. In situ ecophysiological measures, e.g. photosynthetic rate at a constant CO2 partial pressure, were undertaken to assess the performance of saplings. Moreover, leaf phenology and growth rate monitoring were performed during the growing season. The main findings include a clear altitudinal effect on growth and photosynthetic capacity of both species and an advanced leaf flushing at lower altitudes.