LONG-TERM VARIATION IN FIRE FREQUENCY AND RADIAL INCREMENT IN PINE FROM THE MIDDLE TAIGA SUBZONE OF CENTRAL SIBERIA

Dendrochronological methods were used to reconstruct the dynamics of f ires and radial increment in pine from the region between the Kasa and Dubchesa rivers (59 degrees-61 degrees N). The data obtained were com pared with long-term climatic changes in this region. It was shown tha t the fire frequency varied considerably in the history of the most fl ammable types of pine forests. Long-term variation in fire frequency n egatively correlated with that in radial increment. Climatic changes f avorable for pine growth also resulted in a decreased frequency of fir es. The results of analysis suggest that fire frequency during global warming will be mainly determined by regional conditions (predominantl y by moisture rather than temperature).