Spatial variation and temporal instability in the climate–growth relationship of Korean pine in the Changbai Mountain region of Northeast China

Tree radial growth in mountainous areas is subject to complex environmental influences, and the response of radial growth to climate varies with elevation. To detect spatial variation and temporal instability in the climate–growth relationship for Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc) in Northeast China, we used dendrochronological analyses to examine radial growth–climate relationships along an altitudinal gradient in different forests on Changbai Mountain. Results confirmed the general conclusion that the climate–growth relationship varies with altitude. More specifically, at lower elevations Korean pine radial growth was controlled mainly by precipitation, while at the upper limit of its higher elevation zone it was much more affected by minimum temperature. Furthermore, these effects have become stronger since the temperature began increasing more rapidly in 1970 than before. In effect, radial growth decreased at lower elevations under climate change characterized by warming and drought, but increased at higher elevations. These results showed that long-term climate sensitivity varies strongly across altitudinal gradients and may be characterized by abrupt temporal shifts and differing trends in drought. The findings of this study will assist in simulating radial growth and distribution dynamics for Korean pine under various global climate change scenarios.

► We detected spatial variation and temporal instability in the climate–growth relationship for Korean pine.
► Long-term climate sensitivity varies strongly across altitudinal gradients.
► Climate–growth relationship is characterized by abrupt temporal shifts and differing trends in drought.