Environmental factors of isolated stands of Abies mariesii forests on Mt. Kurikoma in northeastern Japan

Abstract

Distribution and development of the subalpine Abies mariesii forest varies from mountain to mountain in northeastern Japan. Mt. Kurikoma has the appropriate altitude and temperature conditions for such a forest, but only a few scanty stands of Abies mariesii forest can be found there. This study examined the habitat features of these stands on Mt. Kurikoma and considered the establishment process of the subalpine conifer forest zone in northeastern Japan. Distribution of these forests tended to be on leeward slopes at high altitudes. Such slopes are shielded from the winter wind, and plants are protected from the cold by a deep snow cover. Thickness of soil at Abies mariesii forests was conspicuously thin in comparison with the other plant communities at about 20cm. The soil consisted of humus and organic loam. There was a layer of Towada-a volcanic ash (To-a '. 915 cal yr BP) at the lowest position of the soil layer and just above the basement boulder layer meaning that the establishment of the Abies mariesii forest investigated was not older than the fall out of Towada-a volcanic ash.