Publication Date:
2003-12-01
Description:
The impact of forest fires on a boreal lake ecosystem was investigated in a discontinuous paleolimnological study of Christina Lake, in the mixedwood subregion of the boreal forest in northern Alberta (Canada). Diatom assemblages were examined below, within, and above charcoal-rich horizons in a sediment core, which represent local fire events. The total diatom concentration as well as the benthic to planktonic taxa ratio increased during charcoal peaks, but no detectable impact on taxa richness was observed. Diatom assemblage responses to fires generally lasted less than 5 years. Inter-taxa competition appears to be a major factor determining diatom assemblages in Christina Lake.
Print ISSN:
0045-5067
Electronic ISSN:
1208-6037
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
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