Introduction
Background - Chilling Requirements and Changing Climate
Description of Study
In this study we will examine white spruce. To our knowledge, chilling requirements and heat sums have not been previously determined for this species. It is an excellent candidate for this study as is spans a vast range in the Northern regions of North America. As it is capable of residing in places with both mild, short winters and in areas with some of the most extreme winters on the continent, its ability to detect winters of varying lengths and burst bud appropriately in spring is important for its survival. In this study we seek to understand if and how these mechanisms vary across its range.
Research Objectives - In this study we seek to answer:
1. Is white spruce adapted to local climatic conditions via heat sums requirements? What variables might be responsible for this adaptation?
2. Does white spruce display adaptations in chilling requirement when it grows in maritime climates with milder winters?
3. Can we use experimentally determined heat sum requirements and chilling requirements in relation to remotely sensed green-up to understand wider trends across the range of white spruce?
Expected Results
1. We expect climatic variables, such as mean annual temperature, to have control on this variation as we expect white spruce populations across the range of the species to be adapted to their local climates.
2. We expect there to be greater chilling requirements in coastal areas with more mild climates
Research Objectives - In this study we seek to answer:
1. Is white spruce adapted to local climatic conditions via heat sums requirements? What variables might be responsible for this adaptation?
2. Does white spruce display adaptations in chilling requirement when it grows in maritime climates with milder winters?
3. Can we use experimentally determined heat sum requirements and chilling requirements in relation to remotely sensed green-up to understand wider trends across the range of white spruce?
Expected Results
1. We expect climatic variables, such as mean annual temperature, to have control on this variation as we expect white spruce populations across the range of the species to be adapted to their local climates.
2. We expect there to be greater chilling requirements in coastal areas with more mild climates