We report on the key physical features of an active rock glacier that influence the distribution of plants and arthropods. We also perform a comparison with neighboring scree slope and alpine grassland to test whether the environmental features of the rock glacier drive the presence of specific species assemblages. Compared with scree slope and grassland, the studied rock glacier provides particular physical features that determine the presence of unique species. Plant distribution is mainly driven by grain size. Arthropod distribution is linked to grain size, with cold-adapted species found on areas with coarse-grained deep debris, which also shows a distinctive temperature regime with very low values throughout the year. On the basis of these findings, we advance the hypothesis that rock glaciers provide specific ecological conditions creating potential refugia for cold-demanding species during warm climatic periods.

Gobbi, M.; Ballarin, F.; Compostella, C.; Lencioni, V.; Seppi, R.; Tampucci, D.; Caccianiga, M. (2014). Physical and biological features of an active rock glacier in the Italian Alps. The holocene, 24 (11): 1624-1631. doi: 10.1177/0959683614544050

Physical and biological features of an active rock glacier in the Italian Alps

GOBBI, MAURO;LENCIONI, VALERIA;
2014-01-01

Abstract

We report on the key physical features of an active rock glacier that influence the distribution of plants and arthropods. We also perform a comparison with neighboring scree slope and alpine grassland to test whether the environmental features of the rock glacier drive the presence of specific species assemblages. Compared with scree slope and grassland, the studied rock glacier provides particular physical features that determine the presence of unique species. Plant distribution is mainly driven by grain size. Arthropod distribution is linked to grain size, with cold-adapted species found on areas with coarse-grained deep debris, which also shows a distinctive temperature regime with very low values throughout the year. On the basis of these findings, we advance the hypothesis that rock glaciers provide specific ecological conditions creating potential refugia for cold-demanding species during warm climatic periods.
Zoologia degli Invertebrati e Idrobiologia
articolo in rivista
2014
pubblicato
24
11
1624
1631
No
con Impact Factor
si
Gobbi, M.; Ballarin, F.; Compostella, C.; Lencioni, V.; Seppi, R.; Tampucci, D.; Caccianiga, M.
Gobbi, M.; Ballarin, F.; Compostella, C.; Lencioni, V.; Seppi, R.; Tampucci, D.; Caccianiga, M. (2014). Physical and biological features of an active rock glacier in the Italian Alps. The holocene, 24 (11): 1624-1631. doi: 10.1177/0959683614544050
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10991/59
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