Characterizing multitemporal alpine snowmelt patterns for ecological inferences

Abstract:

This study applies Markovian transition probability matrices to the problem of characterizing classified multitemporal satellite snow-cover data. Transition probability matrices are used to form hypotheses regarding the effects of snow persistence and ablation patterns on the alpine treeline using an integrated geographic information system. Stratification of the rugged landscape by elevation and slope aspect is achieved through the processing of 1:24 000 base-scale Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and integrated with the satellite characterizations of snow conditions. Analysis of transition matrices by topographic position and watersheds highlighted areas of significantly late snowmelt, which holds implications for ecological investigations of alpine treeline by considering snow both as a stressor and protector of vegetation, depending upon its spatial pattern and temporal persistence. -from Authors

Año de publicación:

1993

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus