Stable Nitrogen Isotopes (Оґ пЂ 15N) in the Thallii of Arid Vagrant Lichen Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis Across the Altidudinal Gradient in the Khangai Plateau, Mongolia
L. G. Biazrov
Keywords: vagrant lichens, Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, stable isotopes, nitrogen-15, fractionation, local scale, regional scale, altitude, mountain steppes, high mountain meadows, Khangai plateau, Mongolia
Pages: 267-276
Abstract
Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ 15N) were measured in the organic matter (OM) of the thallii of vagrant lichen Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis collected across the altitudinal gradient, from 1550 to 3250 m a.s.l. in the steppe and highland meadows in the Khangai Plateau, Mongolia. On the regional scale (all sites), a correlation between δ 15N values and the altitude range is absent. However, in the steppes at low and medium altitudes (Eastern Khangai) OM is depleted in 15N with increasing altitude from 1550 to 2300 m a.s.l. Also in the highland meadows of Central Khangai, OM is depleted in 15N with increasing altitude. According to our own data, the results obtained at a local scale do not always correspond to those on the regional scale.
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