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A comprehensive set of interpolated climate data for Alberta

Description

We present an easily accessible database of interpolated climate data for Alberta that includes monthly, annual, decadal and 30-year normal climate data for the last 106 years (1901-2006), as well... More ≫

Description

We present an easily accessible database of interpolated climate data for Alberta that includes monthly, annual, decadal and 30-year normal climate data for the last 106 years (1901-2006), as well as climate change projections for the 21st century from 23 general circulation models. The database builds on the Alberta Climate Model and a set of five future projections that are recommended and widely used by Alberta government agencies. We added 15,000 historical and projected climate surfaces that include variables relevant for biological research and infrastructure planning, such as growing and chilling degree days, heating and cooling degree days, growing season length descriptors, frost free days and extreme minimum temperature. The database can be queried through a provided software package ClimateAB. A representative subset of these climate surfaces has been thoroughly checked against observed weather station data. We report error estimate for historical climate data and discuss...

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Climate change and Alberta's forests : an information and discussion paper of predicted implications

Description

This report collates and synthesizes much of the current information and scientific literature on the impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, with special relevance to the... More ≫

Description

This report collates and synthesizes much of the current information and scientific literature on the impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, with special relevance to the province of Alberta. Forest ecosystems are highly dependent upon climate for distribution of tree species, their growth, productivity and health, and are predicted to respond in a variety of ways to a changing climate. This report presents an overview of the major impacts predicted to occur during the 21st century. Based upon climate change projections for Alberta, significant impacts reviewed are in relation to tree species distributions, changes in forest ecosystems and biodiversity, wetland areas, growth and productivity responses of trees, disturbance events, forest genetics, invasive species, and with an emphasis on forest health-related issues. The main purposes of this report are to serve as an information source, to increase awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on...

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