High Mountain Summits as Sensitive Indicators of Climate Change Effects on Vegetation Patterns: The 'Multi Summit-Approach' of GLORIA (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments)

GLORIA, a Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments, aims to establish an urgently required global indicator network to detect climate-induced changes in high mountain regions. High mountains appear to be particularly appropriate for such a global initiative, because they still comprise low-temperature determined, natural ecosystems in a world wide distribution. Evidence of upward migrations of vascular plants was found at high mountain peaks in the Alps — most likely resulting from the climate warming since the 19th century. GLORIA is aligned to “target regions” in alpine or nival environments of all principal vegetation zones from polar to tropical latitudes. The “Multi Summit-Approach”, part of the proposed GLORIA-network, shall provide an effective method to compare mountain ecosystems and their climate-induced changes by using summits of different altitude in each target region. Reasons why high mountain summits can be particularly beneficial as indicator environments are pointed out. The sampling design and the method — already tested in field — are outlined along with first results. The final part gives some notes on the implementation of the research initiative. A close co-operation among international research co-ordinators and high mountain ecologists appears to be crucial for a globally active and successful indicator network.