ABSTRACT

A number of simulation models have been developed to assess the climatic impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide increasing (Mitchell, 1983; Harrington, 1987). These studies have indicated that disproportionate warming will occur at higher latitudes (45°N-65°N), with more pronounced effects in the continental interiors. Other studies have suggested that these changes could modify the floristic composition of forest types and, in general, the ecological function of boreal forests (Davis and Botkin, 1985; Sokolov, 1990; Solbrig, 1992). Additionally, changes in temperature and soil moisture regimes could alter the exposure and response of boreal forests to intermittent natural disturbances such as fire frequency.