Prediction of tree growth under climate change scenarios using tree rings of Pinus pinea L. in Spain

Abstract

Predicting trends of Mediterranean tree growth under warmer climate in the Iberian Peninsula is important to implement adaptive management systems in forestry. Tree-ring series reflect effects of climate variations on growth and thus permit to build models for long-term predictions. Building models can be accomplished by classic dendroclimatological approach, but mixed models can be also applied and merit investigation. Research questions: How can we model tree growth-climate relationships to predict forest growth trends under climate change scenarios? What climate variables should be considered when building models for Iberian Mediterranean forests?