Effects of elevation-dependent climate warming on intra- and inter-specific growth synchrony in mixed mountain forests

Spruce-fir-beech mixed forests cover a large area in European mountain regions, with high ecological and socio-economic importance. As elevation-zone systems they are highly affected by climate change, which is modifying species growth patterns productivity shifts among species. The extent to associated tree can access resources grow asynchronously may affect their resistance persistence under change. Intra-specific synchrony annual good indicator of specific dependence on environmental conditions variability. However, little attention has been paid explore the role inter-specific asynchrony adaptation Here we used database 1790 tree-ring series collected from 28 experimental plots spruce-fir-beech across Europe how spatio-temporal intra- relate variation during past century. We further examined whether response inter-annual fluctuations depended site conditions. found that was always lower than intra-specific synchrony, for both (inter-annual fluctuations) low frequency (mid- long-term) variation, suggesting between niche complementarity at temporal levels. Intra- synchronies significantly changed along elevation, being greater higher elevations. Moreover, warming likely induced changes but effect varied elevation gradient. strongly intensified elevations due drying Our results suggest be as an conclude mixtures should preferred against mono-specific buffer change impacts regions.