VEGETATION TRANSECTIONS AND BIOCLIMATIC DIAGRAMS
In this chapter, several selected vegetation transections and bioclimatic diagrams are given. In both cases, our purpose is to explain graphically the close relationships between the potential natural vegetation and bioclimates everywhere. Using these schematic drawings and related processed bioclimatic data from meteorological stations together with the bioclimatic diagrams and their diagnostic vegetation units at association phytosociological level we aim to offer scientists a practical tool for interpreting the language of the natural landscape.
Vegetation transections include eight selected geographical cuts across several large areas throughout North America, mainly from Boreal and Temperate macrobioclimate territories. Each transection shows the catenal arrangement of the potential natural vegetation by phytosociological units and the processed bioclimatic data from the localities shown as well as their complete bioclimatic diagnoses.
The transections selected and explained are the following:
1. From Seward to Fairbanks (US, Alaska).
2. From Prince Rupert to Prince George (Canada).
3. From Mount Washington (US, New Hampshire) to Chibougamau (Canada).
4. From Quesnel to Prince Albert (Canada).
5. From Tatoosh Islands (US, Washington) to Yakima (US, Washington).
6. From Caribou (US, Maine) to Matane and Sept Iles (Canada).
7. From Québec to Hudson Bay (Canada).
8. From West to East of Colorado Rocky Mountains (US, Colorado).
Bioclimatic diagrams include forty-six selected localities from US and Canada displaying the correspondence between the vegetation units (at association phytosociological level), and their biogeographic areas, and their close bioclimatic features. A previous synoptical table shows some processed bioclimatic data for each locality, referred to in the bioclimatic chapter, and the appropriate phytosociological unit (potential natural vegetation at association level).
Vegetation transection from Seward to Fairbanks (US, Alaska)
Figure 43. Vegetation transection from Seward to Fairbanks (US, Alaska). 1. Rubo stellati-Piceetum sitchensis (Tsugion heterophyllae), 2. Tsugo mertensianae-Piceetum sitchensis (Tsugion mertensianae) 3. Alno sinuatae-Populetum trichocarpae (Alno rubrae-Populion trichocarpae), 4. Rubo chamaemori-Piceetum marianae (Ledo decumbentis-Piceion marianae), 5. Piceetum glauco-marianae (Ledo decumbentis-Piceion marianae), 6. Piceo glaucae-Betuletum kenaicae (Betulo neoalaskanae-Populion tremuloidis), 7. Hypno procerrimi-Piceetum glaucae (Ledo decumbentis-Piceion marianae), 8. Piceo glaucae-Betuletum neoalaskanae (Betulo neoalaskanae-Populion tremuloidis), 9. Roso sayi-Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo neoalaskanae-Populion tremuloidis). A. Seward, B. Anchorage, C. Talkeetna, D. Fairbanks, E: Mount Mckinley (6194 m). (Booc: Oceanic Boreal, Bosc: Subcontinental Boreal, Boco: Continental Boreal. Lmbo: lower mesoboreal, Umbo: upper mesoboreal. Lhhu:lower hyperhumid, Lshu: lower subhumid, Ushu: upper subhumid, Udry: upper dry).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Seward | 3 | 17.8 | 15.9 | 616 | 8.7 | Booc-Lmbo-Lhhu |
| B | Anchorage | 27 | 24.8 | 4.6 | 598 | 4.6 | Bosc-Umbo-Lshu |
| C | Talkeetna | 109 | 27.2 | 8.9 | 578 | 4.8 | Bosc-Umbo-Ushu |
| D | Fairbanks | 133 | 39.3 | 3.2 | 573 | 3.2 | Boco-Umbo-Udry |
Vegetation transection from Prince Rupert to Prince George (Canada)
Figure 44. Vegetation transection from Prince Rupert to Prince George (Canada). 1. Abieti amabilis-Piceetum sitchensis (Tsugion heterophyllae), 2. Abieti amabilis-Tsugetum heterophyllae (Tsugion heterophyllae), 3. Abieti amabilis-Tsugetum mertensianae (Tsugion mertensianae), 4. Abieti lasiocarpae-Tsugetum mertensianae (Tsugion mertensianae), 5. Piceetum engelmannio-albertianae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 6. Menziesio ferruginae-Abietetum bifoliae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae). A. Prince Rupert, B. Terrace, C. Smithers, D. Prince George. (Teoc: Oceanic Temperate, Teco: Continental Temperate. Uste: upper supratemperate, Hbor: hemiboreal. Luhh: lower ultrahyperhumid, Lhum: lower humid, Lshu: lower subhumid).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Prince Rupert | 16 | 12.1 | 26.0 | 920 | 9.1 | Teoc-Uste-Luhh |
| B | Terrace | 217 | 21.0 | 8.2 | 910 | 3.0 | Teoc-Uste-Lhum |
| C | Smithers | 524 | 24.4 | 4.0 | 710 | 2.8 | Teco-Hbor-Lshu |
| D | Prince George | 690 | 26.1 | 4.0 | 740 | 3.0 | Teco-Hbor-Lshu |
Vegetation transection from Mount Washington (US, New Hampshire) to Chibougamau (Canada)
Figure 45. Vegetation transection from Mount Washington (US, New Hampshire) to Chibougamau (Canada). 1. Abieti balsameae-Piceion rubentis (Piceion rubentis), 2. Diapensietum lapponicae (Diapension lapponicae), 3. Caricetum bigelowii (Caricion bigelowii), 4. Sorbo americanae-Betuletum cordifoliae (Betulo-Populion tremuloidis), 5. Fago grandifoliae-Betuletum lentae (Tsugion canadensis), 6. Sphagno-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio-Piceion glaucae), 7. Caryo cordiformis-Aceretum sacchari (Acerion sacchari), 8. Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo-Populion tremuloidis), 9. Aceretum sacchari (Acerion sacchari), 10. Abietetum balsameae (Gaultherio-Piceion glaucae), 11. Pinetum banksianae (Pinion banksianae), 12. Aralio hispidae-Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo-Populion tremuloidis), 13. Kalmio angustifoliae-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio-Piceion glaucae). A. Mount Washington, B. Lac Mégantic, C. Québec, D. Alma, E. Dolbeau, F. Chibougamau, G. Mount Mégantic, H. Laurent River. (Bioclimatic acronyms are the usual).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Mount Washington | 1909 | 24.2 | 25.9 | 321 | 18.6 | Teco-Lcte-Uhh |
| B | Lac Mégantic | 410 | 29.2 | 7.6 | 803 | 5.7 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| C | Québec | 73 | 31.7 | 7.0 | 872 | 5.5 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| D | Alma | 136 | 33.3 | 7.3 | 811 | 6.3 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| E | Dolbeau | 137 | 37.2 | 6.1 | 795 | 4.3 | Boco-Ltbo-Lhum |
| F | Chibougamau | 376 | 35.5 | 10.1 | 639 | 7.6 | Boco-Lmbo-Uhum |
Vegetation transection from Quesnel to Prince Albert (Canada)
Figure 46. Vegetation transection from Quesnel to Prince Albert (Canada). 1. Piceetum engelmannio-albertianae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 2. Shepherdio canadensis-Pseudotsugetum glaucae (Pino scopulorum-Pseudotsugetum glaucae), 3. Piceo engelmannii-Tsugetum heterophyllae (Tsugion heterophyllae), 4. Abieto lasiocarpae-Tsugetum mertensianae (Tsugion mertensianae), 5. Alno tenuifoliae-Populetum trichocarpae (Alno rubrae-Populion trichocarpae), 6. Menziesio ferrugineae-Piceetum engelmannii (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 7. Empetro hermaphroditii-Abietetum bifoliae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 8. Vaccinio scoparii-Pinetum latifoliae (fire) (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 9. Mertensio paniculatae-Abietetum balsameae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 10. Rubo chamaemori-Piceetum marianae (Ledo decumbentis-Piceion marianae), 11. Spiraeo lucidae-Populetum balsamiferae (Betulo neoalaskanae-Populion tremuloidis). A. Quesnel, B. Jasper, C. Edmonton, D. Prince Albert, E. Mount Caribou, F. Mount Robson (3954 m). (Teco: Continental Temperate, Boco: Continental Boreal. Hbor: hemiboreal, Lote: lower orotemperate, Ltbo: lower thermoboreal. Udry: upper dry, Lshu: lower subhumid. Stp: Steppic).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Quesnel | 545 | 26.1 | 3.0 | 828 | 2.5 | Teco-Hbor-Udry-Stp |
| B | Jasper | 1061 | 26.7 | 3.3 | 689 | 2.9 | Teco-Lote-Udry-Stp |
| C | Edmonton | 671 | 30.6 | 4.6 | 767 | 4.5 | Teco-Hbor-Lshu |
| D | Prince Albert | 428 | 38.3 | 4.1 | 756 | 301 | Boco-Ltbo-Lshu |
Vegetation transection from Tatoosh islands (US,washington) to Yakima (US, Washington)
Figure 47. Vegetation transection from Tatoosh Islands (US, Washington) to Yakima (US, Washington). 1. Vaccinio ovati-Piceetum sitchensis (Tsugion heterophyllae), 2. Abieti amabilis-Tsugetum heterophyllae (Tsugion heterophyllae), 3. Abieto lasiocarpae-Tsugetum mertensianae (Tsugion mertensianae), 4. Gaultherio shallonis-Pseudotsugetum menziesii (Tsugion heterophyllae), 5. Abieti grandis- Pseudotsugetum menziesii (Tsugion heterophyllae), 6. Aceri macrophylli-Alnetum rubrae (Alno rubrae-Populion trichocarpae), 7. Vaccinio membranacei-Alnetum sinuatae (Alno rubrae-Populion trichocarpae), 8. Eriogono nivei-Artemisietum tridentatae (Artemision tridentatae), 9. Alno tenuifoliae-Populetum trichocarpae (Alno rubrae-Populion trichocarpae). A. Tatoosh Island, B. Seattle-Tacoma, C. Stampede Pass, D. Yakima. E. Olympic Mountains (2428 m). F. Mount Rainier (4392 m). (Teho: Hyperoceanic Temperate, Teoc: Oceanic Temperate, Mexc: Xeric Continental Mediterranean. Umte: upper mesotemperate, Lste: lower supratemperate, Lote: lower orotemperate, Usme: upper supramediterranean. Lhhu: lower hyperhumid, Lhum: lower humid, Lsar: lower semiarid).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Tatoosh Island | 31 | 7.7 | 17.1 | 1155 | 4.1 | Teho-Umte-Lhhu |
| B | Seattle-Tacoma | 118 | 14.8 | 7.8 | 1274 | 1.3 | Teoc-Lste-Lhum |
| C | Stampede Pass | 1207 | 18.2 | 12.6 | 619 | 3.4 | Teoc-Lote-Lhhu |
| D | Yakima | 330 | 24.5 | 1.3 | 1195 | 0.2 | Mexc-Usme-Lsar |
Vegetation transection from Caribou (US, Maine) to Matane and Sept Iles (Canada)
Figure 48. Vegetation transection from Caribou (US, Maine) to Matane and Sept Iles (Canada) (Temperate-Boreal). 1. Abieti balsameae-Piceion rubentis (Piceion rubentis), 2. Aceretum sacchari (Acerion sacchari), 3. Carici-Alnetum rugosae (Alnion rugosae), 4. Aceri sacchari-Betuletum luteae (Acerion sacchari), 5. Abietetum balsameae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 6. Aralio nudicaulis-Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo cordifoliae-Populion tremuloidis), 7. Kalmio angustifoliae-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 8. Sphagno-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 9 Alnetum rugosae (Alnion rugosae). A. Caribou, B. Matane, C. Baie-Comeau, D. Sept Iles, E. Laurent River. (Teco: Continental Temperate, Boco: Continental Boreal. Hbor: hemiboreal, Ltbo: lower thermoboreal, Utbo: upper thermoboreal, Lmbo: lower mesoboreal. Lhum: lower humid, Uhum: upper humid).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Caribou | 190 | 30.0 | 7.4 | 822 | 5.5 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| B | Matane | 23 | 29.4 | 6.6 | 794 | 4.4 | Boco-Ltbo-Lhum |
| C | Baie-Comeau | 53 | 31.1 | 9.5 | 711 | 5.4 | Boco-Utbo-Uhum |
| D | Sept Iles | 55 | 28.3 | 9.7 | 622 | 6.9 | Boco-Lmbo-Uhum |
Vegetation transection from Québec to Hudson Bay (Canada)
Figure 49. Vegetation transection from Québec to Hudson Bay (Canada) 1. Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo cordifoliae-Populion tremuloidis), 2. Aceretum sacchari (Acerion sacchari), 3. Aceri sacchari-Betuletum luteae (Betulion luteae), 4. Abietetum balsameae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 5. Pinetum banksianae (Pinion banksianae), 6. Sphagno-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae), 7. Aralio-Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo cordifoliae-Populion tremuloidis), 8. Kalmio-Piceetum marianae (Gaultherio procumbentis-Piceion glaucae). A. Québec, B. La Tuque, C. Parent, D. Val d'Or, E. Amos, F. Moosonee, G. Steppic Laurent River, H. Hudson Bay. (Teco: Continental Temperate, Boco: Continental Boreal. Hbor: hemiboreal, Ltbo: lower thermoboreal, Utbo: upper thermoboreal, Lbo: lower mesoboreal. Lhum: lower humid).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Québec | 73 | 31.7 | 7.0 | 872 | 5.5 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| B | La Tuque | 167 | 33.3 | 6.9 | 811 | 5.6 | Teco-Hbor-Lhum |
| C | Parent | 428 | 32.8 | 8.6 | 711 | 6.7 | Boco-Ltbo-Lhum |
| D | Val d'Or | 337 | 33.9 | 7.6 | 756 | 5.6 | Boco-Utbo-Lhum |
| E | Amos | 305 | 35.0 | 7.2 | 680 | 5.7 | Boco-Lmbo-Lhum |
| F | Moosonee | 10 | 36.7 | 7.8 | 617 | 5.4 | Boco-Lmbo-Lhum |
Vegetation transection from west to east of Colorado Rocky Mountains (US, Colorado)
Figure 50. Vegetation transection from west to east of Colorado Rocky Mountains (US, Colorado). 1. Piceetum pungentis (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 2. Vaccinio scoparii-Pinetum latifoliae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 3. Vaccinio scoparii-Abietetum bifoliae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 4. Penstemono whippleani-Pinetum aristatae (Piceo engelmannii-Abietion bifoliae), 5. Caricetum elynoidis (Caricion foeneo-elynoidis), 6. Symphoricarpo utahensis-Populetum tremuloidis (Betulo neoalaskanae-Populion tremuloidis), 7. Pseudotsugo glaucae-Pinetum flexilis (Pino scopulorum-Pseudotsugion glaucae), 8.Selaginello densae-Elynetum myosuroidis (Kobresio myosuroidis-Caricion rupestris), 9. Shepherdio canadensis-Psedotsuguetum glaucae (Pino scopulorum-Pseudotsugion glaucae), 10. Rhoo trilobatae-Pinetum scopulorum (Pino scopulorum-Pseudotsugion glaucae), 11. Populetum angustifolio-moniliferae (Populion angustifolio-moniliferae). A. Aspen, B. Lake, C. Grandby, D. Boulder, E. Mount Lincoln (4433 m), F. Vazques Peak (3926 m), G. Indian Peaks (4066 m). (Teco: Continental Temperate, Otel: Lowerorotemperate. Udry: Upper dry. Sbm: Submediterranean, Stp: Steppic).
| Locality | Alt.m | Ic | Io | Tp | Ios2 | Bioclimate |
| A | Aspen | 2369 | 23.3 | 3.4 | 778 | 2.4 | Teco-Lote-Udry-Sbm |
| B | Lake | 3026 | 21.7 | 4.4 | 561 | 4.7 | Teco-Uote-Lshu |
| C | Grandby | 2502 | 23.9 | 3.5 | 628 | 2.9 | Teco-Lote-Udry-Stp |
| D | Boulder | 1612 | 21.7 | 3.6 | 1289 | 2.0 | Teco-Lste-Udry-Stp |
Bioclimatic diagrams of Linnaeo-piceetea associations in US. and Canada
| Associations | Localities | T | M | Tp | P | Io |
| 1a. Pinetum banksianae | Kapuskasing, Can | 1.2 | -25.6 | 758 | 858 | 7.4 |
| 1b. Carici-Pinetum banksianae | Trois Rivières, Can | 4.7 | -17.2 | 917 | 1031 | 7.1 |
| 1c. Oryzopsio-Pinetum banksianae | Prince Albert, Can | 0.6 | -26.1 | 756 | 409 | 4.1 |
| 2a. Abietetum balsameae | Val d'Or, Can | 1.8 | -22.2 | 756 | 868 | 7.6 |
| 2b. Kalmio-Piceetum marianae | Armstrong, Can | -0.6 | -27.8 | 639 | 667 | 7.1 |
| 2c. Sphagno-Piceetum marianae | Nakima, Can | 0.1 | -25.0 | 672 | 763 | 6.9 |
| 2d. Mertensio-Abietetum balsameae | The Pas, Can | -0.7 | -27.8 | 706 | 392 | 4.3 |
| 3a. Abieti-Piceetum rubentis | Caribou, Me | 3.8 | -16.7 | 822 | 923 | 7.4 |
| 4a. Rubo-Piceetum marianae | McGrath, Ak | -3.7 | -27.8 | 544 | 468 | 5.3 |
| 4b. Piceetum glauco-marianae | Tanana, Ak | -4.7 | -28.9 | 522 | 332 | 4.2 |
| 4c. Hypno-Piceetum glaucae | Fairbanks, Ak | -3.1 | -28.9 | 583 | 297 | 3.1 |
| 4d. Pulsatillo-Pinetum latifoliae | Whitehorse, Ak | -0.3 | -19.4 | 556 | 268 | 3.1 |
| 5a. Vaccinio-Piceetum sitchensis | Newport, Or | 10.7 | 3.3 | 1283 | 1691 | 13.2 |
| 5b. Abieti-Piceetum sitchensis | Prince Rupert, Or | 7.7 | -1.1 | 922 | 2417 | 26.2 |
| 5c. Rubo-Piceetum sitchensis | Haines, Ak | 4.7 | -1.7 | 694 | 1539 | 10.9 |
| 5d. Tsugo-Sequoietum sempervirentis | McNamara, Ca | 11.5 | 3.9 | 1378 | 1777 | 12.9 |
| 5e. Gaultherio-Pseudotsugetum menziesii | Olympia, Wa | 10.1 | -1.1 | 1211 | 1294 | 10.7 |
| 5g. Abieti-Tsugetum heterophyllae | Stampede Pass, Wa | 4.2 | -6.9 | 611 | 2343 | 12.6 |
| 6d. Tsugo-Piceetum sitchensis | Valdez, Ak | 2.3 | -11.1 | 522 | 1549 | 17.2 |
| 7a. Lonicero-Pinetum contortae | North Bend, Or | 11.6 | 3.9 | 1389 | 1570 | 11.3 |
| 7b. Junipero-Pinetum contortae | Gustavus, Ak | 5.1 | -6.1 | 672 | 1366 | 15.6 |
| 8a. Aceri-Alnetum rubrae | Vancouver, Can | 10.2 | 0.0 | 1222 | 1458 | 11.9 |
| 8b. Oplopanaco-Alnetum rubrae | Annette, Ak | 7.5 | -1.7 | 905 | 2923 | 32.3 |
| 8c. Alno-Populetum trichocarpae | Cordova, Ak | 3.4 | -9.4 | 550 | 2262 | 26.1 |
| 8f. Salici-Alnetum sinuatae | Kenai, Ak | 0.9 | -16.1 | 517 | 483 | 11.7 |
| 9a. Vaccinio scoparii-Abietetum bifoliae | Hermit Lakes, Co | 1.4 | -21.7 | 550 | 415 | 5.4 |
| 9e. Piceetum engelmannio-albertianae | Jasper, Can | 3.0 | -15.6 | 689 | 332 | 3.3 |
| 9f. Piceetum pungentis | Aspen, Co | 4.9 | -14.4 | 778 | 470 | 3.4 |
| 9h. Vaccinio scoparii-Pinetum latifoliae | Banff, Can | 2.2 | -15.6 | 617 | 486 | 5.3 |
| 10a. Larici-Pseudotsugetum glaucae | Castlegar, Can | 7.5 | -7.2 | 987 | 705 | 4.8 |
| 10b. Shepherdio-Pseudotsugetum glaucae | Quesnel, Can | 5.0 | -15.0 | 828 | 398 | 3.0 |
| 10c. Rhoo-Pinetum scopulorum | Glendive, Mt | 7.0 | -16.1 | 1106 | 356 | 2.6 |
| 10d. Pseudotsugo-Pinetum flexilis | Gunnison, Co | 3.1 | -22.2 | 767 | 267 | 2.2 |
| 11a. Roso sayi-Populetum tremuloidis | Dawson, Can | -5.0 | -33.3 | 561 | 317 | 3.0 |
| 11b. Piceo-Betuletum neoalaskanae | Bettles, Ak | -5.8 | -28.9 | 489 | 337 | 4.3 |
| 11c. Piceo-Betuletum kenaicae | Palmer, Ak | 2.1 | -14.4 | 622 | 420 | 5.1 |
| 11d. Spiraeo-Populetum balsamiferae | Edmonton, Can | 2.7 | -19.4 | 767 | 457 | 5.0 |
| 11e. Symphoricar.-Populetum tremuloidis | Yellowstone, Mt | 1.5 | -18.3 | 578 | 513 | 4.8 |
| 12b. Populetum tremuloidis | Mégantic, Can | 4.0 | -16.7 | 822 | 986 | 7.7 |
| 12c. Aralio-Populetum tremuloidis | Dolbeau, Can | 1.8 | -23.9 | 795 | 727 | 6.1 |
| 13a. Alnetum rugosae | Gander, Can | 4.4 | -10.6 | 728 | 1003 | 9.5 |
| 13b. Carici-Alnetum rugosae | Québec, Can | 4.1 | -16.7 | 872 | 1013 | 7.0 |
| 14a. Populetum-moniliferae | Boulder, Co | 10.7 | -6.1 | 1289 | 464 | 3.6 |
| 15a. Platano-Populetum fremontii | Red Bluff, Ca | 17.5 | 3.1 | 2100 | 560 | 2.7 |
| 16a. Salici-Betuletum glandulosae | King Salmon, Ak | 0.7 | -15.0 | 522 | 499 | 6.5 |
| 16c. Salici-Betuletum exilis | Nome, Ak | -3.2 | -19.4 | 339 | 473 | 8.3 |
|