Long-Term Variability of Anatomic Features of Annual Tree Rings of Larch, Pine and Spruce in the Permafrost Zone in Central Siberia

Abstract

Tree-ring anatomical structure is the key to understanding of adaptive specifics of xylem of various species to climate change. This is especially significant in the permafrost zone due to likely permafrost degradation. We compared anatomic features of annual rings of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr., Larix cajanderi Mayr.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) growing in the permafrost zone in Central Siberia for 1960–2011. Climatic factors affecting tree radial growth and anatomic features of tracheids of coniferous species were revealed.