- Author
- Maertens, Thomas
- Publication Year
- 2008
- Region
- Eastern Cascades, Puget Trough/Lowlands, Western Cascades, Willamette Valley
- Habitat
- Mixed Oak & Conifer, Upland Prairie, Woodland & Savanna
- Topic
- Climate Change, Drought, Historical Ecology
This thesis describes the growth-climate relationship of Oregon white oak, a foundation species in one of the most endangered habitat types in North America. These trees inhabit dynamic forest ecosystems in which climate is especially significant and expected to become increasingly important. In this study, we identify characteristic growth responses of Oregon white oak to its climate and assess their geographic patterns. We used dendroecological techniques to determine unique correlation functions for each of 18 climatically sensitive stands representing much of the geographic range of the species. Principal components analyses identified important associations between growth and climate. Over 110 years of analysis, 1896-2005, spring conditions have dominated the dendroclimatic response but other significant relationships occur throughout the year. The relative importance of climatic controls varies throughout the species’ range. These results are crucial for the long-term management of Oregon white oak ecosystems and contribute to our understanding of vegetation dynamics.