Holocene tree-limit and distribution of Abies alba in the inner French Alps: anthropogenic or climatic changes?

The expansion of silver fir ( Abies alba ) during the 20th century in the European inner Alps calls into question the causes of the observed dynamics. We investigate the past distribution of Abies alba via analysis of wood charcoal buried in natural soils (identification, weighing, dating) and of pollen and macro-remains from peat to help us understand its present-day expansion. Material was sampled in the driest areas of the inner French Alps – some samples from calcareous sites, and most from southern exposures that should exclude Abies alba , which is a drought and carbonate intolerant species. The regional tree limit of the silver fir has not changed significantly since the middle Holocene. Abies alba grew on southern exposures, even on calcareous soils, but its importance was higher on northern slopes. From 4000 to 2000 cal. yr BP, depending on sites, the species has experienced local extinction associated with fire history. Human impact, more than climate, appears to be the main factor for local extinction, indicating that the marked present-day expansion of silver fir may result from land-use abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]