Classification of Russia's Forests in Relation to Global Climate Warming
Abstract
This study involves investigating the sensitivity to temperature of Russia's forest communities. Factors taken into consideration were mean annual temperature; standard deviation and temperature tolerance limits covering forests across the country. A new numerical classification of forests, related to predicted global climate warming (GCW) has been developed based on cluster analyses.
New temperature-forest associations have been interpreted in order to develop a framework for the adaptation strategy to a predicted GCW. Quantitative parameters of the classification allow for the assessment of the magnitude, spatial and temporal dynamics of the GCW affect on forests. As a result, it is suggested that developed classification in forest inventory and management systems should be introduced in Russia.
New temperature-forest associations have been interpreted in order to develop a framework for the adaptation strategy to a predicted GCW. Quantitative parameters of the classification allow for the assessment of the magnitude, spatial and temporal dynamics of the GCW affect on forests. As a result, it is suggested that developed classification in forest inventory and management systems should be introduced in Russia.