The Vegetation of the Storbreen Gletschervorfeld, Jotunheimen, Norway. I. Introduction and Approaches Involving Classification
Matthews JA. 1979. The Vegetation of the Storbreen Gletschervorfeld, Jotunheimen, Norway. I. Introduction and Approaches Involving Classification. Journal of Biogeography. 6(1):17-47
The aim of the series is to describe vegetation patterns on the Storbreen glacier-foreland and to achieve an integrated explanation in terms of the pattern of deglaciation and spatial variation in environment. Part I considers an approach based on three multivariate classificatory techniques and a reallocation procedure. Computer mapping is used to examine spatial relationships pf assemblage types at four levels of resolution and at four quadrat sizes. Differences between the classifications indicate that these types are not 'natural' groups, although those at the 4-group level tend to be least arbitrary and discreteness of types varies with successional status. Different scales of phytogeographical pattern of altitude, aspect and time vary in their relative influence at different scales. It is inferred that the complexity and course of succession varies according to altitude and that many of the characteristics of a climax equilibrium require longer than 220 years to develop.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Matthews, John
- Units
- GLBA
- Keywords
- Inventory and Monitoring (I&M), Plant Communities, Plant Studies