Current World Environment

Topography and canopy play a decisive role on air temperature (T) conditions in forested areas. Air temperature is a crucial factor in decision making process for the development of these areas. To our knowledge, there is no information regarding the effect of topography along with canopy cover (Pc) on thermal conditions of a vulnerable mountainous forested region of Greece, Mount (Mt) Aenos in the island of Cephalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece. Therefore, the purpose of our work is the investigation of the aforementioned parameters, especially the effect of altitude (alt) and Pc on T of Mt Aenos. Mean values for maximum air temperature (Tx) and Pc were estimated for twelve sites at various alts in Mt Aenos during the period May-October of three consecutive years (2011-2013). The analysis of the results showed that Tx was related to alt and Pc. Altitude has a greater effect on T in relation to Pc. When examining same or similar alts, an increase of Pc up to 51% resulted in a significant decrease of Tx (p<0.05) up to 3.6 °C. Our findings could be taken into account in planning the construction of hiking trails for recreational activities in Mt Aenos, and, in general, in mountainous forest areas of special importance.

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