• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.107 no.2
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• pp.113-125
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• 2018

Subalpine zone is geographically vulnerable to climate change. Forest vegetation in this zone is one of the important basic indicator to observe the influence of climate change. This study was conducting phytosociological community classification and endemic-rare plants investigation based on vulnerable species to climate change at the subalpine zone, Mt. Jiri. Vegetation data were collected by 37 quadrate plots from March to October, 2015. In order to understand the species composition of plant sociological vegetation types and the ecological impacts of species, we analyzed the layer structure of vegetation type using important values. Vegetation type was classified into eight species groups and five vegetation units. The vegetation types can be suggested as an indicator on the change of species composition according to the future climate change. There were 9 taxa endemic plants and 17 taxa rare plants designated by KFS(Korea Forest Service) where 41.2% of them were the northern plant. Endemic-rare plants increased as the altitude of vegetation unit increase. Importance value analysis showed that the mean importance value of Abies koreana was highest of all vegetation units. Based on analysis of each layer, all units except vegetation unit 1 were considered to be in competition with the species such as Quercus mongolica and Acer pseudosieboldianum. The results of this study can be a basic data to understand the new patterns caused by climate change. In addition, it can be a basic indicator of long-term monitoring through vegetation science approach.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.41 no.4 s.115
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• pp.404-417
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• 2006

In order to clarify some characteristics of hydrological cycle in the subalpine zone of Mt. Halla, water balance has been analysed using hydrological data of a first-order drainage basin around Mansedongsan and meterological data of Odeung AWS. The experimental basin extends from 1,595 m to 1,645 m in altitude and has an catchment area of 1.34 ha. It is largely underlain by trachybasalt and covered with sasa bamboo and sedges. Hydrological observations were carried out every 20 minutes from April 15 to September 19, 2004. The basin shows the total precipitation of 3,074 m that is 1.6 to 3 times of those in coastal and intermontane regions. Surface runoff amounts to 850 mm that is equivalent to 27.6% of the precipitation. By contrast, evapotranspiration only accounts for 14.2% of the precipitation, and the remnant of 1,790 m penetrates underground through a basement. The basin is located in the subalpine zone and then it has a high rainfall intensity as well as a large rainfall due to frequent orographic precipitation. But surface runoff usually dose not exceed 30% of the rainfall while Percolation demonstrates about 2 times of the runoff. Compared with granite or gneiss basins in Korea Peninsula, the experimental basin is characterized by a higher portion of percolation in water balance. And it is probably related to the highly permeable basaltic lavas in Jeju Island which are also overlain by porous volcanic soils.

• Journal of Plant Biology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.1-21
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• 1959

1. The plant communities on Mt. Sulak, a typical alpine mountain in central Korea was researched from the standpoint of ecological survey. 2. The plant on this mountain can largely be classified into 2 categories, the warm zone (below 1100m) and the frigid zone. The former is again classified into a broad-leaved tree formation and a needle-leved tree formation, and the latter is calssified into a broad-leaved tree formation and needle-leaved tree formation, and shrub formation. 3. The broad-leaved tree formation in the warm zone can largely be classified into a Carpinus laxiflora-syringa Palibiniana var. kanibayashi association(1), a Carpinus erosa-Acer Pseudo-sieboldianun association(2), and a Quercus mongolica- Tripterygium Regelii association(3). 4. The needle-leaved tree formation in the warm zone can also largely ben classified into a Pinus densiflora- Miscanthus sinensis association(4), Abies holophylla- Tripterygium regelii association(5), Pinus kordiensis- Rhododendron schlippenbachii association(6) In the association(4), the canopy of the Pinus densiflora is gradually being occupied by the Quercus mongolica which is one kind of broad-leaved trees. 5. We can fully see a DryoPteris type of the flour layer plant type in the association (3) and also see a Sasamorpha type in the association (5). 6. The broad-leaved tree formation in the frigid zone can largely be classified into Quercus mongolica- Rhododendron schlippenbachii association (8). The constituents of tree and subtree layers in (7) and (8) associations are similar to those association (3), but the constituents of the shrub layer are different from those of associtation (3) due to the difference in height. 7. The needle-leaved formation in the frigid zone can largely be classified into Thuja koraiensisRodgersia podophylla var. viritis association (9) and Abies nephrolepis-Acer tschonoskii var. rubripes asscciation (10). The species of alpine plants or subalpine plants are gradually increased in this formation. 8. The shrub formation can also largely be classified into a Rhododendron mucronulatum- Patrinia saniculaefolia association (11) and Pinus pumila associatio (12). Association (12) has largely developed on the windy place. Association (12) was burned due to the bombing during the Korean war, but now we recoginized there occurred an invasion of Tripterygium Regelii in such a place. 9. The herb layer species which constitute the shrub formation are mostly alpine or subalpine plants of small size, and their kinds are also very few. 10. The growth of the Moss layer is especially good because of the varied conditions of the habitat. The kinds which can easily be seen are the genus of Thunidium, Haplocladium, Brachythecium, Macromitrium, Holonitrium, Atrichum, Schwstchkeopsis, Grimmia, Hedwigia, Rhynchostegium and Mnium. 11. The genus of the Sphagnum densly grows like a mat at the acid and moisturous place above 1100m. The authors should express their thanks to father. Yang Kisup, Dean of Catholic Medical College, Prof. Yoon Doksuen, from their valuable advice. Thanks arealso due to Prof. Numata, Chiba University, Prof. Takagi, Nagoya University and Prof. Ando, Hiroshima University in Japan for his kind help and identification of Bryophytes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.1
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• pp.61-71
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• 2022

Data from an investigation of vulnerable conifer species in the subalpine zone in Korea obtained by the Korea Forest Service in 2017-2018 and monitoring research conducted by the National Institute of Forest Science since 2014 were used to analyze the status of distribution and growing condition of three major conifer species (Abies nephrolepis, Abies koreana, and Picea jezoensis) in the subalpine zone in the Baekdudaegan protected area. The distribution area of the studied species in the Baekdudaegan protected area was ca. 74% (8,035 ha) of the total distribution area in Korea, indicating that Baekdudaegan is a core area for conservation and restoration of subalpine conifer species. From decline index [A. nephrolepis in Mt. Taebaeksan and Mt. Deogyusan increased by 77.3% and 29.6%, respectively; A. koreana in Mt. Jirisan (Chunwangbong Peak) increased by 45.2% in four years; and P. jezoensis in Mt. Jirisan (Chunwangbong Peak) increased by 47.8% in two years] and seedling frequency (lower frequency of newly recruited seedlings than dead seedlings) results, the studied species are expected to face difficulties in sustainability. In contrast, at Mt. Seseoksan and Chunwangbong Peak in Mt. Jirisan, the health of trees and seedling frequency showed a partial tendency to recover and increase. In addition, we identified the relationship between the decline index and seedling frequency. These results will support the implementation of conservation strategies for vulnerable conifer species in the subalpine zone.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.19-28
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• 2017

Background: In order to investigate organic carbon distribution, carbon budget, and cycling of the subalpine forest, we studied biomass, organic carbon distribution, litter production, forest floor litter, accumulated soil organic carbon, and soil respiration in Taxus cuspidata forest in Halla National Park from February 2012 to November 2013. Biomass was calculated by using allometric equation and the value was converted to $CO_2$ stocks. Results: The amount of plant organic carbon was $13.60ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$ in 2012 and $14.29ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$ in 2013. And average organic carbon introduced to forest floor through litter production was $0.71ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$. Organic carbon distributed in forest floor litter layer was $0.73ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$ on average and accumulated organic carbon in soil was $51.13ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$ on average. In 2012, Amount of released $CO_2$ from soil to atmosphere was 10.93 ton $CO_2ha^{-1}year^{-1}$. Conclusions: The net ecosystem production based on the difference between net primary production of organic carbon and soil respiration was $-1.74ton\;C\;ha^{-1}year^{-1}$ releasing more carbon than it absorbed.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.32-41
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• 1991

A survey of subalpine zone (altitude is 1,360-1,410m) in Mt. Chiri, was conducted using 25 sample plots of 500$m^2$ size. The classification by TWINSPAN and DCA ordination were applied to the study area in order to classify them into several groups based on woody plants and environmental variables. By TWINSPAN techniques, the plant community were divided into five groups by importance value of Abies nephrolepis. The dividing groups are Fraxinus rhynchophylla - Magnolia sieboldii community, Quercus mongolica - Rhododendron schlippenbachii community, Q. mongolica - F. rhynchophylla - Acer pseudo-sieboldianum community, Q. mongolica- A. nephrolepis- Rh. schlippenbachii community, and A. nephrolepis- Pinus densiflora - Rh. schlippenbachii community. The successional trends of tree species by both techniques seem to be from Q. mongolica to A. nephrolepis in the canopy layer. It was no difference between the stand scores of DCA and environmental variables.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.118-138
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• 2022

This study was conducted to identify the vegetation structure of major vegetation by region and elevation in the subalpine zone of Seoraksan National Park and prepare an inventory of flora. We reviewed the results of the previous subalpine studies and, through a preliminary survey, determined that the first appearance point of subalpine vegetation was about 800 m based on the south. Then we conducted a site survey by installing a total of 77 plots, including 12 plots on the northern Baekdamsa-Madeungnyeong trail (BD), 13 plots on the west Hangyeryeong-Kkeutcheong trail (HG), 13 plots on the east side of Sinheungsa-Socheongbong trail (SA), and 39 plots in the southern Osaek-Kkeutcheong, Osaek-Daecheongbong trail (OS), in an interval of 50 m above sea level. The analysis classified 7 communities, including Qercus mongolica-Abies holophylla-Acer pseudosieboldianumcommunity, Q. mongolica-Tilia amurensiscommunity, Q. mongolica-Pinus koraiensiscommunity, Q. mongolica-A. pseudosieboldianumcommunity, Betula ermanii-A. nephrolepiscommunity, P. koraiensis-A. nephrolepiscommunity, and mixed deciduous broad-leaf tree community according to the species composition based on the appearance of the major subalpine plants such as Quercus mongolica, Betula ermanii, and Abies nephrolepis, region, and elevation. 10.68±2.98 species appeared per plot (100 m²), and 110.87±63.89 individuals were identified. The species diversity analysis showed that the subalpine vegetation community of Seoraksan National Park was a mixed forest in which various species appeared as important species. Although there was a difference in the initial elevation for the appearance of major subalpine plants by region, they were distributed intensively in the elevation range of 1,100 to 1,300 m. In the Seoraksan National Park, 322 taxa, 83 families, 193 genera, 196 species, 1 subspecies, 26 varieties, and 4 forms of vascular plants were identified. One taxon of Trientalis europaeavar.arcticawas identified as the protected species. The endemic plants were 19 taxa, and 58 taxa were identified as subalpine plants.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.109-122
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• 1989

The vegetation and landscape of Hokkaido were phytosociologically referred. The region of F a g e t e a c r e n a t a e on Hokkaido is divided into two types of deciduous broad-leaved forest: the oak (Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata) forests mixed with conifers (mainly Abies sachalinensis) and the beech (Fagus crenata) forests of northernmost distribution in far-east Asia. The oak forests, which is dominated by Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata in Japanse islands, seem to be developed from different climatic and edaphic conditions, especially in the amount and sharing pattern of precipitation in a year, and weak acid brown forest soil, volcanic ash soil and sandy soil. On the all-inclusive phytogeographical view-point, Hokkaido is situated at northernmost region of F a g e t e a c r e n a t a e (cool-temperate zone)neighboring with subarctic and subalpine vegetation, vegetation, but the evergreen broad-leaved forest (C a m e l l i e t e a j a p o n i c a e, warm-temperate zone) is abscent.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.661-670
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• 2017

50-year tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies (1966~2015) for principle conifer tree species (Taxus cuspidata, Pinus koraiensis, Abies koreana) and Quercus mongolica at subalpine zone in Mt. Jiri were established. The establishing of tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies for each tree species were fulfilled using four trees, which showed the good result in cross-dating. In the comparisons between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies within the same tree species all tree species showed reliable results statistically (p < 0.001), and they also showed EPS higher than 0.85. In addition to, the reliable correlations (p < 0.001) were verified between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies of four tree species, as well. In the response function analysis in order to investigate the relationships between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies and corresponding climatic factors, i.e., monthly precipitation and mean temperature, T. cuspidata showed a negative correlation with May precipitation (p < 0.05) and A. koreana showed a negative correlation with April precipitation (p < 0.05). If long tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies of T. cuspidata and A. koreana will be established, it will be possible to reconstruct April and May precipitation in the past when we have no the meteorological data.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.259-267
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• 2011

A pollen analytical study of sediment sequences collected from Yongneup moor (sampling point: $38^{\circ}$12'57.4" N, $120^{\circ}$7'30.2" E) was conducted to understand the vegetation history in the mountainous region of the central Korean peninsula. Carbon dating was carried out to measure five successive samples obtained from the bottom at a depth of 180 cm to the surface. The Yongneup moor sediment revealed four main local pollen zones; that is, four past vegetation phases as follows: Local pollen zone I: Quercus-Pinus zone; estimated age, 5,900-4,800 calibrated years (cal) before present (BP); vegetation type, cool-temperate central/montane deciduous broad-leaved forest. Local pollen zone II: Pinus-Abies-Quercus zone; estimated age, 4,800-3,400 cal BP; vegetation type, cool-temperate northern/alti-montane mixed coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved forest. Local pollen zone III: Quercus-Pinus-Abies zone; estimated age, 3,400-400 cal BP; vegetation type: cool-temperate central/montane deciduous broad-leaved forest. Local pollen zone IV: Pinus-Quercus zone; estimated age, 400-present cal BP; vegetation type, cool-temperate central/montane mixed deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forest. It was confirmed that subalpine coniferous forests had expanded to the mountainous region of the central Korean peninsula during the period from 4,800-3,400 cal BP and thereafter deciduous forests dominated by Q. mongolica were established. Notably, secondary forests dominated by P. densiflora developed in the lower part of the mountainous region of the central Korean peninsula about 400 cal BP due to human interference.