Abstract: We analyzed the response and stability of tree radial growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii , a dominant conifer species in Xiaowutai Mountain, to climate factors based on the ring-width chronologies at different altitudes. The variations of radial growth of L. principis-rupprechtii under the background of climate warming were evaluated. The results showed that: (1) The chronologies of L. principis rupprechtii were similar at low (1380 m), medium (1755 m), and high altitude (2080 m) on the northern slope of Xiaowutai Mountain. The three chronologies had good quality and were suitable for dendroclimatological study. (2) Precipitation was the main limiting factor for the radial growth of L. principis-rupprechtii. Radial growth was positively correlated with precipitation in September of the previous year (P<0.05), the temperature in February (P<0.05) and May (P<0.01) of the current year. (3) After the abrupt change of temperature in 1993, the positive relationship between chronology and precipitation in May was relatively stable (P<0.01). However, the negative relationship between radial growth and growing season temperature was enhanced, especially in May (P<0.05). This may result mainly from water stress caused by the rising temperatures. Therefore, with the intensification of warming and drying in the future, the radial growth rate of L. principis-rupprechtii may show a downward trend. At present, the radial growth-climate relationship of L. principis-rupprechtii in Xiaowutai Mountain is generally stable.

Key words: temperature abrupt change, dendroclimatology, growth-climate response, stability