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Cited by 31Geology and Paleoclimatology ResearchBotany and Plant Ecology StudiesEcology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 48 of the 51 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 8 of the 66 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Late-Quaternary history of the alpine flora of the New Hampshire White Mountains

Open access
Miller, Norton G., Spear, Ray W.·2002·Géographie physique et Quaternaire
DOI 10.7202/004854ar
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Abstract

A distinctive flora of 73 species of vascular plants and numerous bryophytes occurs in the ca. 20 km2 of alpine tundra in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The lateQuaternary distribution of these plants, many of which are disjuncts, was investigated by studies of pollen and plant macrofossils from lower Lakes of the Clouds (1542 m) in the alpine zone of Mount Washington. Results were compared with pollen and macrofossils from lowland late-glacial deposits in western New England. Lowland paleofloras contained fossils of 43 species of vascular plants, 13 of which occur in the contemporary alpine flora of the White Mountains. A majority of species in the paleoflora has geographic affinities to Labrador, northern Québec, and Greenland, a pattern also apparent for mosses in the lowland deposits. The first macrofossils in lower Lakes of the Clouds were arctic-alpine mosses of acid soils. Although open-ground mosses and vascular plants continued to occur throughout the Holocene, indicating that alpine tundra persisted, fossils of a low-elevation moss Hylocomiastrum umbratum are evidence that forest (perhaps as krummholz) covered a greater area near the basin from 7500 to 3500 yBP. No calcicolous plants were recovered from sediments at lower Lakes of the Clouds. Climatic constraints on the alpine flora during the Younger Dryas oscillation and perhaps during other cold-climate events and intervening periods of higher temperature may have led to the loss of plant species in the White Mountain alpine zone. Late-glacial floras of lowland western New England were much richer than floras of areas above treeline during late-glacial time and at the present.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Pollen and plant macrofossils from lower Lakes of the Clouds (1542 m) and lowland late-glacial sites show that the White Mountains alpine flora is a depauperate, acid-soil remnant whose history included Holocene forest/krummholz expansion near the basin. The authors argue that late-glacial and Holocene climate changes, especially the Younger Dryas and later warm intervals, could have caused species loss, though direct evidence of extirpation is lacking.

Key findings

  • The contemporary White Mountains alpine tundra (ca. 20 km²) contains 73 vascular plant species and numerous bryophytes; lowland late-glacial deposits yielded 43 terrestrial vascular plant species, 13 of which occur in the contemporary White Mountains alpine flora, plus 75 moss species, two of which are current alpine mosses.
  • At lower Lakes of the Clouds, the first macrofossils were arctic-alpine mosses of acid soils; no calcicolous plants were recovered, and open-ground mosses and vascular plants continued through the Holocene, indicating alpine tundra persisted.
  • Fossils of the forest moss *Hylocomiastrum umbratum* indicate forest, perhaps krummholz, covered a greater area near the basin from 7500 to 3500 yBP; new evidence suggests trees were more abundant and persisted at higher elevations until at least 3500 yBP.
  • The authors suggest climatic constraints during the Younger Dryas and other cold or warmer periods may have led to loss of plant species in the White Mountain alpine zone, but no direct evidence of extirpation was found.

Methods

  • The study analyzed pollen and plant macrofossils from sediment cores taken in 1976 and 1977 from lower Lakes of the Clouds (1542 m), Mount Washington, using a modified Livingstone piston sampler; results were compared with pollen and macrofossils from four lowland late-glacial sites in western New England (Matianuck Avenue, CT; Tom Swamp, MA; Canoe Brook, VT; Columbia Bridge, VT).
  • Radiocarbon dating used bulk sediment samples for Lakes of the Clouds and AMS or conventional dates for lowland sites; pollen samples were chemically processed with a minimum of 300 terrestrial pollen grains counted per level, and macrofossil samples (50 mL) were sieved and examined, with seeds/fruits identified partly by SEM.
  • Pollen percentages and macrofossil numbers were plotted against age using TILIA and CONISS; ages were estimated from age/depth polynomial regressions, and the two Lakes of the Clouds cores were joined, limiting temporal resolution to about 500 years.

Limitations

  • The paper states that direct evidence of species loss or gain in the alpine flora is lacking; vascular plant macrofossil diversity at lower Lakes of the Clouds is low, the basin is low-energy and receives little organic debris, and only 50 mL samples were used, about two orders of magnitude less than at macrofossil-rich lowland sites.
  • The paper also states that late-glacial sediments older than 11,000 yBP at lower Lakes of the Clouds were barren of plant macrofossils, pollen source areas cannot be established with certainty because of low pollen deposition rates, and the two-core composite limits temporal resolution so vegetation boundaries can only be estimated within 500 years.
  • Evident from the text: macrofossil records are described as typically noisy and only crudely quantitative; 31% of moss fossils could not be fully identified, several vascular plant fossils were identified only to genus or family or with “cf.”, and the *Saxifraga cf. flagellaris* identification is tentative.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.7202/004854ar

Cites

48 of 48 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

8 of 66 cited sources checked · 3 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Study design and conductcitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Given low pollen deposition rates in late-glacial sediments of lakes in the White Mountain region, indicating that some or even most of the pollen arrived by wind from a long distance, the pollen source area of these potential arctic-alpine plants cannot be established with certainty.

    “Given the low pollen deposition rates in late-glacial sediments of lakes in the White Mountain region (Spear et al., 1994), indicating that some or even most of the pollen arrived by wind from a long distance, the pollen source area of these potential arctic-alpine plants cannot be established with certainty.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear et al., 1994 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Four of the 19 moss species identified from late-Pleistocene and Holocene sediments at lower Lakes of the Clouds are solely arctic-alpine: Arctoa fulvella, Aulacomnium turgidum, Conostomum tetragonum, and Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum.

    “Four of the 19 species (Fig. 3) identified from late-Pleistocene and Holocene sediments are solely arctic-alpine: Arctoa fulvella, Aulacomnium turgidum, Conostomum tetragonum (Hedw.)Lindb., and Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum (Wahlenb.)Tuom.& T. Kop.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    The age of a willow twig from Matianuck Avenue, Connecticut, was 13,540 ± 90 yBP.

    “The age of a willow (Salix) twig from the southernmost of these, Matianuck Avenue, 265 km southwest of Mount Washington, was 13,540 ± 90 yBP”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The age/depth relationship calculated by fitting a polynomial regression to several points accurately estimates the age of each sample.
  • Findingown data
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    Some vascular plants in western New England lowland late-Pleistocene deposits are also conspicuous members of the contemporary alpine flora of Mount Washington: Arctostaphylos alpina, Harrimanella hypnoides, Minuartia groenlandica, and Salix uva-ursi.

    “Some of the vascular plants in western New England lowland late-Pleistocene deposits are also conspicuous members of the contemporary alpine flora of Mount Washington (Table II): Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng.(Fig. 18, 19), Harrimanella hypnoides (L.) Coville (Fig. 5, 6), Minuartia groenlandica (Retz) Ostenf.(Fig. 16, 17), and Salix uva-ursi Pursh (Fig. 78910).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    A fossil of Paraleucobryum longifolium was deposited in the early Holocene at lower Lakes of the Clouds.

    “A fossil of another moss, Paraleucobryum longifolium (Hedw.)Loeske was deposited in the early Holocene.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 65
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 26
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 5

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Pollen and plant macrofossils from lake sediments in the White Mountains show evidence of late-Quaternary climate change, as well as fluctuations in plant populations.

    “Pollen and plant macrofossils from lake sediments in the White Mountains (Davis et al., 1980;Spear, 1989;Spear et al., 1994) show evidence of late-Quaternary climate change, as well as fluctuations in plant populations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Davis et al., 1980 source
    • cites Spear, 1989 source
    • cites Spear et al., 1994 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    The regional pollen stratigraphy at lower Lakes of the Clouds is similar to that at low-elevation sites such as Mirror Lake at 200 m, but subtle differences provide evidence for the history of the alpine zone.

    “Although the regional stratigraphy is similar to that at low-elevation sites such as Mirror Lake at 200 m (Spear et al., 1994), subtle differences provide evidence for the history of the alpine zone.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear et al., 1994 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    Macrofossil evidence from the Adirondack Mountains and the White Mountains shows raised elevational limits for white pine (300 m), hemlock (300 m, Adirondacks; 200 m, White Mountains), and yellow birch (150 m, Adirondacks), interpreted as an increase in temperature of 1°C or more from about 9000 to at least 4000 yBP.

    “Macrofossil evidence from the Adirondack Mountains (Jackson, 1989;Whitehead and Jackson, 1990) and the White Mountains (Spear et al., 1994) shows raised elevational limits for white pine (300 m), hemlock (300 m, Adirondacks; 200 m, White Mountains), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)(150 m, Adirondacks), which is interpreted as an increase in temperature of 1°C or more from about 9000”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Jackson, 1989 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Whitehead and Jackson, 1990 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Spear et al., 1994 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Potentilla tridentata is a pioneer of open unstable mineral soil that grows over a broad elevational range and is a common plant in the alpine zone of Mount Washington.

    “Potentilla tridentata, a pioneer of open unstable mineral soil (Marchand and Roach, 1980) that grows over a broad elevational range, is a common plant in the alpine zone of Mount Washington.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Marchand and Roach, 1980 source

      The citation is attached to the description of P. tridentata as a pioneer of open, unstable mineral soil, not to the later claims about elevation or Mount Washington. The Identification of Pioneers section reports its prominence in disturbed trail sites, and Description of Study Area describes exposed mineral soils. But the Discussion cautions that it does not appear to reach disturbed sites quickly; its presence may instead reflect persistence of plants already there. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    Spear et al. (1994) attributed the raised elevational limits to nonsynchronous changes at treeline and at low and mid-elevations.

    “Spear et al. (1994) attributed this to nonsynchronous changes at treeline and at low and mid-elevations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear et al. (1994) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    At Canoe Brook, Vermont, the total herb pollen percentage at 12,350 ± 90 yBP was 52% and consisted principally of sedge (30%), grass (6%), and other herb types (18%), with spruce pollen more frequent (13%).

    “Northward, at Canoe Brook, Vermont, the total herb pollen percentage at 12,350 ± 90 yBP was 52% and consisted principally of sedge (30%), grass (6%), and other herb types (18%), with spruce pollen more frequent (13%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    The present ranges of the species not currently part of the White Mountain flora vary; some include northern Labrador, adjacent parts of northern Québec, and nearby Greenland, with no stations south of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (e.g., Silene involucrata, Salix reticulata).

    “The present ranges of species in this last group vary.Some include northern Labrador, adjacent parts of northern Québec, and nearby Greenland, with no stations south of the Gulf of St.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    No macrofossils of any strictly alpine vascular plants were recovered from sediments at the lower Lakes of the Clouds, although achenes of Potentilla tridentata, an alpine-subalpine plant of exposed sites, first appeared in late-glacial sediments dated at 10,300 yBP.

    “No macrofossils of any strictly alpine vascular plants were recovered from sediments at the lower Lakes of the Clouds, although achenes of Potentilla tridentata Ait., an alpine-subalpine plant of exposed sites, first appeared in late-glacial sediments dated at 10,300 yBP (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § LATE-QUATERNARY HISTORY OF THE ALPINE FLORA OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE WHITE MOUNTAINS

    A majority of species in the lowland paleoflora has geographic affinities to Labrador, northern Québec, and Greenland, a pattern also apparent for mosses in the lowland deposits.

    “A majority of species in the paleoflora has geographic affinities to Labrador, northern Québec, and Greenland, a pattern also apparent for mosses in the lowland deposits.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    The composite pollen percentage diagram from lower Lakes of the Clouds provides a clearer record of the regional pollen stratigraphy than the summary diagrams published by Spear (1989).

    “The composite pollen percentage diagram (Fig. 2) from lower Lakes of the Clouds provides a clearer record of the regional pollen stratigraphy than the summary diagrams published by Spear (1989).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear (1989) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Spruce needle representation increased somewhat beginning at ~6500 yBP and remained more or less constant until the late Holocene when the number declined.

    “Spruce needle representation increased somewhat beginning at ~6500 yBP and remained more or less constant until the late Holocene when the number declined.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    Fossils of 75 species of extant mosses were recovered and identified from sediments at the four lowland sites, including a few species also present in the contemporary alpine flora of Mount Washington.

    “Fossils of 75 species of extant mosses were recovered and identified from sediments at the four sites (Miller, 1987a(Miller, , b, 1993)), including a few species also present in the contemporary alpine flora of Mount Washington.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Miller, 1987a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Miller, 1987b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Miller, 1993 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Seeds of Ericaceae were abundant in late-glacial sediments at lower Lakes of the Clouds, as were achenes of sedges and seeds of rushes (Juncus).

    “Seeds of Ericaceae were abundant in late-glacial sediments, as were achenes of sedges and seeds of rushes (Juncus).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data
    § LABORATORY

    Only one well-preserved but incomplete moss specimen from lower Lakes of the Clouds could not be identified to species.

    “Only one wellpreserved but incomplete specimen could not be identified to species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference collection of dissected moss plants and seeds at the New York State Museum is adequate for identifying the fossil specimens.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Numerous fossils at lower Lakes of the Clouds are of Holocene age, and a significant number of occurrences correspond to the late-glacial/Holocene transition.

    “Numerous fossils are of Holocene age, and a significant number of occurrences correspond to the late-glacial/Holocene transition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    The age of fossils in the three other lowland deposits are younger than Matianuck Avenue but contemporaneous with late-Pleistocene sediments deposited in lower Lakes of the Clouds.

    “The age of fossils in the three other deposits are younger (Table I) but contemporaneous with late-Pleistocene sediments deposited in lower Lakes of the Clouds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The age/depth relationship calculated by fitting a polynomial regression to several points accurately estimates the age of each sample.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Fossils of Aulacomnium turgidum, Conostomum tetragonum, and Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum were found only in late-glacial sediments older than those that contained large numbers of spruce and later fir needles.

    “Fossils of the last three were found only in late-glacial sediments older than those that contained large numbers of spruce and later fir needles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given
    § LATE-QUATERNARY HISTORY OF THE ALPINE FLORA OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE WHITE MOUNTAINS

    Late-glacial floras of lowland western New England were much richer than floras of areas above treeline during late-glacial time and at the present.

    “Late-glacial floras of lowland western New England were much richer than floras of areas above treeline during late-glacial time and at the present.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    At Columbia Bridge, spruce pollen was markedly higher (28%), and significantly greater amounts of oak, birch, and other deciduous trees were also registered.

    “Spruce, however, was markedly higher (28%), and significantly greater amounts of oak, birch, and other deciduous trees were also registered at this site.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    Fossils of nearly all of the ten species came exclusively from the youngest lowland late-glacial deposit, Columbia Bridge, which dates to about 11,500 yBP.

    “Fossils of nearly all of them came exclusively from the youngest lowland late-glacial deposit, Columbia Bridge, which dates to about 11,500 yBP.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Most moss fossils at lower Lakes of the Clouds are represented by single occurrences, but five species (Racomitrium microcarpon, Hylocomiastrum umbratum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sanionia uncinata, and Polytrichum longisetum) occurred in two to seven samples.

    “Most moss fossils are represented by single occurrences, but five, Racomitrium microcarpon (Hedw.)Brid., Hylocomiastrum umbratum (Hedw.)Broth., Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw., Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.)Loeske, and Polytrichum longisetum Brid., occurred in two to seven samples (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Fir needles were common in samples from 8500 to 7000 yBP because of twigs in the sediment; in sediment younger than 7000 yBP no twigs were found, and needle number decreased and remained low throughout the rest of the Holocene.

    “Fir needles were common in samples from 8500 to 7000 yBP because of twigs in the sediment.In sediment younger than 7000 yBP no twigs were found; consequently, needle number decreased and remained low throughout the rest of the Holocene.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § MACROFOSSIL STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Needles of Picea occur in highest abundance in early Holocene sediments at lower Lakes of the Clouds, but fall abruptly by 8500 yBP, when they were succeeded by abundant needles of balsam fir.

    “Needles of Picea occur in highest abundance in the sediments of early Holocene age, but fall abruptly by 8500 yBP, when they were succeeded by abundant needles of balsam fir.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    Some of the 43 terrestrial species identified at lowland sites are represented in contemporary montane floras of northeastern North America: nine in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks, 15 on Mount Katahdin, 27 on the higher mountains of the Gaspé Peninsula and nearby areas, and 32 in an area encompassing northwestern Newfoundland, Labrador, and northern Québec.

    “Some of the 43 species are represented in the contemporary montane floras of northeastern North America (Fig. 4): nine in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks (New York State), 15 on Mount Katahdin (Maine), 27 on the higher mountains of the Gaspé Peninsula and nearby areas (Québec), and 32 in an area encompassing northwestern Newfoundland, Labrador, and northern Québec.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    Thirteen of the 43 terrestrial species occur in the alpine zone of Mount Washington, and one additional species occurs at a nearby site in the White Mountains.

    “Thirteen occur in the alpine zone of Mount Washington, and one additional species at a nearby site in the White Mountains.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    Pollen assemblages from the four lowland sites, which are oldest in the south and progressively younger northward, showed significant regional trends.

    “Pollen assemblages from the four lowland sites, which are oldest in the south and progressively younger northward (Table I), showed significant regional trends.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    The composite pollen percentage diagram from lower Lakes of the Clouds includes rarer pollen types (Armeria, Campanula, Dryas, Polemonium, Rumex, Saxifraga oppositifolia, and Thalictrum), much of which may have originated from arctic-alpine plants.

    “The composite pollen percentage diagram from lower Lakes of the Clouds includes rarer pollen types, Armeria, Campanula, Dryas, Polemonium, Rumex, Saxifraga oppositifolia, and Thalictrum, much of which may have originated from arctic-alpine plants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    Others are found in northern Québec and Labrador and also at a few disjunct stations on the Gaspé Peninsula (e.g., Arenaria humifusa, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Thalictrum alpinum).

    “Others are found in northern Québec and Labrador (with a few mostly along the Labrador coast) and also at a few disjunct stations on the Gaspé Peninsula (e.g., Arenaria humifusa, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Thalictrum alpinum).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § SEDIMENT LITHOLOGY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    No dramatic transitions are evident in the sediments from lower Lakes of the Clouds; they show gradational changes from fine detritus mud to gray silt and finally yellowish gray sand at the bottom.

    “No dramatic transitions are evident in the sediments from lower Lakes of the Clouds, which show gradational changes from fine detritus mud to gray silt and finally yellowish gray sand at the bottom (Table III).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    Fifteen macrofossil types from the four lowland sites were identified to genus only, and three others were placed to family.

    “Fifteen macrofossil types were identified to genus only, and three others were placed to family.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PLANT MACROFOSSILS AND POLLEN FROM LOWLAND SITES

    At Columbia Bridge, total herb pollen percentages between 11,540 ± 110 yBP and 11,390 ± 150 yBP were the lowest (ave. 22%), and these were principally sedge (10-27% in four spectra).

    “At the youngest site, Columbia Bridge, in far northwestern New England, total herb pollen percentages between 11,540 ± 110 yBP and 11,390 ± 150 yBP were the lowest (ave.22%), and these were principally sedge (10-27% in four spectra).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    At lower Lakes of the Clouds, peak percentages of the alpine and late-glacial pollen category (~30%) occur in late-glacial sediments; early Holocene values average 2.2%, and percentages increase to 3.9% after 5000 yBP.

    “At lower Lakes of the Clouds, peak percentages of this category (~30%) occur in late-glacial sediments.The early Holocene is characterized by values averaging 2.2%, while percentages increase (to 3.9%) after 5000 yBP.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Pollen of known and potential arctic-alpine species were recovered from late-glacial sediments at the lower Lakes of the Clouds, including Armeria sp., a plant that also has a late-glacial lowland fossil record in western New England.

    “Pollen of known and potential arctic-alpine species were recovered from late-glacial sediments at the lower Lakes of the Clouds (Spear, 1989), including Armeria sp., a plant that also has a late-glacial lowland fossil record in western New England.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear, 1989 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Pollen from insect-pollinated shrubs, gooseberry (Ribes sp.) and mountain maple (Acer spicatum), common in subalpine balsam fir and lower elevation forests, was also deposited between 7500 and 3500 yBP, indicating higher elevational occurrences for these plants.

    “Pollen from the insect-pollinated shrubs, gooseberry (Ribes sp.) and mountain maple (Acer spicatum Lam.), common in subalpine balsam fir and lower elevation forests, was also deposited between 7500 and 3500 yBP, indicating higher elevational occurrences for these plants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    New evidence presented here indicates that trees may have been more abundant than previously thought and persisted at higher elevations longer, until at least 3500 yBP.

    “In addition, new evidence presented here indicates that trees may have been more abundant than previously thought and persisted at higher elevations longer, until at least 3500 yBP.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Fossils of a fourth arctic-alpine moss, Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum, were in sediments dating to the Pleistocene-Holocene transition (10,000 yBP) at lower Lakes of the Clouds.

    “Fossils of a fourth arctic-alpine moss, Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum, were in sediments dating to the Pleistocene-Holocene transition (10,000 yBP).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-MOSSES, LOWLAND SITES

    Fossils of 75 species of mosses have been recovered from the four lowland deposits, and two of these, Aulacomnium turgidum and Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum, are current members of the alpine flora of the White Mountains.

    “Fossils of 75 species of mosses have been recovered from the four lowland deposits, and two of these, Aulacomnium turgidum (Wahlenb.)Schwaegr.and Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum (Wahlenb.)Tuom.& T. Kop., are current members of the alpine flora of the White Mountains (Crum and Anderson, 1981).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crum and Anderson, 1981

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § PALEOVEGETATION-LOWLAND SITES

    Spruce pollen was three times more frequent in the Canoe Brook sediment (14%) than at Tom Swamp, suggesting that spruce trees occurred in greater abundance than they had to the south a thousand years earlier.

    “Spruce pollen was three times more frequent in the Canoe Brook sediment (14 %), which suggests that spruce trees occurred in greater abundance than they had to the south a thousand years earlier.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    When spruce-needle deposition started at lower Lakes of the Clouds, seeds of Ericaceae and achenes of Potentilla tridentata and sedges also began to appear in sediment, which likely marks the arrival of source plants in the watershed.

    “When spruce-needle deposition started, seeds of Ericaceae and achenes of Potentilla tridentata and sedges also began to appear in sediment, which likely marks the arrival of source plants in the watershed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    Four species of moss fossils from lower Lakes of the Clouds, fossils of three of which occurred in late-glacial sediment, are arctic-alpine plants.

    “Four species, fossils of three of which occurred in late-glacial sediment, are arctic-alpine plants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    The mosses of the alpine zone are all species of acid soil and rock, and no evidence of an early calcicolous flora typical of lowland sites is present.

    “The mosses are all species of acid soil and rock, and no evidence of an early calcicolous flora typical of lowland sites is present.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichum juniperinum, and P. piliferum are all plants of acidic soil.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    The vegetation history around Lakes of the Clouds shows fluctuations in the position of treeline and changes in the alpine plant communities over the past 13,000 years.

    “The vegetation history around Lakes of the Clouds shows fluctuations in the position of treeline and changes in the alpine plant communities over the past 13,000 years.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data
    § IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    The macrofossil record especially of Potentilla tridentata at Lakes of the Clouds indicates that open areas always existed around the Lakes, although the extent of the open plant communities varied during the Holocene.

    “The macrofossil record especially of Potentilla tridentata at Lakes of the Clouds indicates that open areas always existed around the Lakes, although the extent of the open plant communities varied during the Holocene.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingcitation
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-MOSSES, LOWLAND SITES

    Fossils of other primarily subarctic and arctic moss species, now found only at a few disjunct stations along the southern limit of the boreal forest, include Aulacomnium acuminatum, Bartramia ithyphylla, Hypnum bambergeri, Timmia norvegica, Tortula norvegica, Didymodon asperifolius, Hypnum revolutum, and H. vaucheri.

    “Fossils of other primarily subarctic and arctic species, which are now found only at a few disjunct stations along the southern limit of the boreal forest (Crum and Anderson, 1981) include: Aulacomnium acuminatum (Lindb.& Arnell) Kindb., Bartramia ithyphylla Brid., Hypnum bambergeri Schimp., Timmia norvegica Zett., Tortula norvegica (Web.)Wahlenb.ex Lindb., Didymodon asperifolius (Mitt.)Crum et al”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crum and Anderson, 1981

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given
    § PALEOVEGETATION-LOWLAND SITES

    Tundra containing dwarf willows and many kinds of herbs and mosses existed near the Tom Swamp depositional basin, Massachusetts, at 12,830 yBP, and at Canoe Brook somewhat later (12,350 yBP).

    “Tundra containing dwarf willows and many kinds of herbs and mosses existed near the Tom Swamp depositional basin, Massachusetts, at 12,830 yBP, and at Canoe Brook somewhat later (12,350 yBP).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    The diversity of species in the vascular plant macrofossil record at lower Lakes of the Clouds is low and includes only species known in the contemporary flora.

    “Unfortunately, the diversity of species in the vascular plant macrofossil record at lower Lakes of the Clouds is low and includes only species known in the contemporary flora.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Spruce needles are absent from sediments older than about 10,200 yBP at lower Lakes of the Clouds, indicating, as do the moss fossils, that the source area adjacent to the basin lacked trees and supported alpine tundra prior to 10,200 yBP.

    “Spruce needles are absent from sediments older than about 10,200 yBP at lower Lakes of the Clouds, indicating, as do the moss fossils, that the source area adjacent to the basin lacked trees and supported alpine tundra prior to 10,200 yBP.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § SETTING

    Treeline (the elevation above which trees are less than 2 m tall) generally occurs at 1500 m in the White Mountains and corresponds to forest limit, the boundary above which trees cover less than 50% of the landscape.

    “Treeline (the elevation above which trees are less than 2 m tall) generally occurs at 1500 m and corresponds to forest limit, the boundary above which trees cover less than 50% of the landscape (Spear, 1989).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear, 1989 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    The vegetation near late-glacial Columbia Bridge included species that now have southerly affinities, as well as others that eventually became extirpated in western New England but survive in areas to the north.

    “This vegetation included species that now have southerly affinities, as well as others that eventually became extirpated in western New England but survive in areas to the north.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Spear (1989) identified five pollen taxa characteristic of alpine surface-pollen assemblages (Caryophyllaceae, Cyperaceae, Ericaceae, cf. Houstonia caerula, and Huperzia selago type) and four other late-glacial taxa (Artemisia, Gramineae, Salix, and Compositae subfam. Asterioideae) characteristic of open sunny and possibly cold environments.

    “Spear (1989) identified five pollen taxa characteristic of alpine surface-pollen assemblages, Caryophyllaceae, Cyperaceae, Ericaceae, cf.Houstonia caerula, and Huperzia selago type, and four other late-glacial taxa (Artemisia, Gramineae, Salix, and Compositae subfam.Asterioideae) characteristic of open sunny and possibly cold environments.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear (1989) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Of the 73 alpine vascular plant species in the White Mountains, 41 are recorded from the High Peaks Region of the eastern Adirondack Mountains, New York.

    “41 of the 73 are recorded from the High Peaks Region of the eastern Adirondack Mountains, New York (Ketchledge and Fitzgerald, 1993)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ketchledge and Fitzgerald, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductown data
    § LABORATORY

    Thirty-eight (69%) of 55 moss fragments from lower Lakes of the Clouds could be identified.

    “Fifty-five moss fragments were cleaned in distilled water, placed in Hoyer's solution, dissected, and, if necessary, sectioned for microscopic study.Thirty-eight (69%) could be identified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference collection of dissected moss plants and seeds at the New York State Museum is adequate for identifying the fossil specimens.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § SETTING

    Bliss (1963) recognized nine alpine plant communities in the White Mountains: exposed windswept sites, dwarf shrub heath-rush, dwarf shrub heath, snow banks, sedge-rush-dwarf shrub heath, sedge-dwarf shrub heath, sedge meadow, streamside, and bog.

    “Bliss (1963) recognized nine communities: (1) exposed windswept sites with little or no winter snow, Diapensia lapponica L. prominent, (2) a widespread dwarf shrub heath-rush community associated with variable snow cover and on soil with good drainage, (3) dwarf shrub heath in areas of deeper snow, (4) snow banks (snow persisting until summer), (5) sedge-rush-dwarf shrub heath, (6) sedge-dwarf”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bliss, 1963 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given
    § INTRODUCTION

    The flora of the alpine zone of the White Mountains consists of calcifuge species, many of which are also present in northwestern Europe (the amphi-Atlantic distribution pattern).

    “The flora of the alpine zone of the White Mountains consists of calcifuge species, many of which are also present in northwestern Europe (the amphi-Atlantic distribution pattern).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Lowland deposits in the Connecticut River valley contain macrofossils that document a diverse late-glacial flora and a variety of tundra plant communities.

    “Lowland deposits in the Connecticut River valley (Miller, 1992(Miller, , 1995;;Miller and Thompson, 1979), south and west of the White Mountains, contain macrofossils that document a diverse late-glacial flora and a variety of tundra plant communities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Miller, 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Miller, 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Miller and Thompson, 1979 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § SETTING

    The species limit, the elevation at which a species can no longer exist even as krummholz, is approximately 1700 m in the White Mountains.

    “The species limit, the elevation at which a species can no longer exist even as krummholz, is approximately 1700 m (Antevs, 1932).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Antevs, 1932

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductreasoning
    § LABORATORY

    Radiocarbon ages from lower Lakes of the Clouds are not δ13C corrected.

    “Radiocarbon ages (as yBP) are given as δ 13 C corrected values, except those from lower Lakes of the Clouds for which δ 13 C measurements are not available.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Radiocarbon ages from lower Lakes of the Clouds are accurate enough to date the events despite lack of δ13C correction.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § SETTING

    A number of alpine plant communities occur above 1500 m in the White Mountains, and they are distributed along environmental gradients of temperature, moisture, and wind exposure.

    “A number of alpine plant communities occur above 1500 m, and they are distributed along environmental gradients of temperature, moisture, and wind exposure (Antevs, 1932;Bliss, 1963;Harries, 1966).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Antevs, 1932

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Bliss, 1963 source
    • cites Harries, 1966

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductown data
    § PALEOFLORISTICS-VASCULAR PLANTS, LOWLAND SITES

    The identification of Saxifraga cf. flagellaris from Tom Swamp is tentative and based on seed microstructure, the variability of which in northern species of Saxifraga is incompletely known.

    “However, the identification of this species is tentative and on the basis of seed microstructure, the variability of which in northern species of Saxifraga is incompletely known.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § SETTING

    The Presidential Range has the most extensive alpine zone in the White Mountains, approximately 20 km2, including Mount Washington (1917 m), the highest summit in northeastern United States.

    “The Presidential Range (Fig. 1) has the most extensive alpine zone, approximately 20 km 2 (Bliss, 1963), including Mount Washington (1917 m), the highest summit in northeastern United States.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bliss, 1963 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    67 of the 73 alpine vascular plant species in the White Mountains occur in mountains on the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec.

    “67 occur in mountains on the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec (Scoggan, 1950)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Scoggan, 1950

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    At least 47 of the 73 alpine vascular plant species in the White Mountains are present in the flora of West Greenland.

    “At least 47 of the species are present in the flora of West Greenland (Fredskild, 1996).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fredskild, 1996 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    58 of the 73 alpine vascular plant species in the White Mountains occur on the summit or slopes of Mount Katahdin, Maine.

    “58 occur on the summit or slopes of Mount Katahdin, Piscataquis County, Maine (Campbell et al., 1995;Dibble et al., 1990)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Campbell et al., 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Dibble et al., 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given
    § INTRODUCTION

    Paleobotanical studies of late-Quaternary sediments in New England provide a detailed record of the treeless vegetation that preceded the first forest communities to develop after the disappearance of glacial ice.

    “Paleobotanical studies of late-Quaternary sediments in New England provide a detailed record of the treeless vegetation that preceded the first forest communities to develop after the disappearance of glacial ice.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    Although the 22 likely arctic-alpine pollen types are not restricted to the alpine zone as a group, they are taken to indicate open, sunny, and cold conditions.

    “Although these types are not restricted to the alpine zone as a group, they are taken to indicate open, sunny, and cold conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Pollen types that are not restricted to the alpine zone as a group can be taken to indicate open, sunny, and cold conditions.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § POLLEN STRATIGRAPHY-LOWER LAKES OF THE CLOUDS

    On the basis of pollen and macrofossil evidence, Spear (1989) delineated time periods and vegetation changes at high elevations on Mount Washington: deglaciation to 11,750 yBP-intense periglacial activity and sparse vegetation; 11,750-10,300 yBP-herb tundra and later shrub tundra; and at 10,300 yBP-shrub tundra with krummholz trees.

    “On the basis of this information and evidence from macrofossils, Spear (1989) delineated the following time periods and vegetation changes at high-elevations on Mount Washington: deglaciation to 11,750 yBP-intense periglacial activity and sparse vegetation; 11,750-10,300 yBP-herb tundra and later shrub tundra; and at 10,300 yBP-shrub tundra with krummholz trees.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear (1989) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning
    § LABORATORY

    The procedure of combining two cores from lower Lakes of the Clouds limits temporal resolution, and ages of vegetation boundaries can only be estimated to within 500 years.

    “However, this procedure limits temporal resolution, and ages of vegetation boundaries can only be estimated to within 500 years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Radiocarbon ages from lower Lakes of the Clouds are accurate enough to date the events despite lack of δ13C correction.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    The mosses Arctoa fulvella, Aulacomnium turgidum, Grimmia donniana, Kiaeria blyttii, and K. starkei, and the hepatics Anthelia juratzkana, Gymnomitrion concinnatum, and G. corallioides are noteworthy arctic-alpine bryophytes of the alpine zone of Mount Washington.

    “The mosses Arctoa fulvella (Dicks.)B.S.G., Aulacomnium turgidum (Wahlenb.)Schwaegr., Grimmia donniana Sm., Kiaeria blyttii (Schimp.)Broth., and K. starkei (Web.& Mohr) Hag.(Grout, 1940;Crum and Anderson, 1981), and the hepatics, Anthelia juratzkana (Limpr.)Trev., Gymnomitrion concinnatum (Lightf.)Corda, and G. corallioides Nees (Schuster, 1974), are noteworthy arctic-alpine bryophytes of the alp”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Grout, 1940 source
    • cites Crum and Anderson, 1981

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Schuster, 1974

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    Although no direct evidence of the extirpation of any arctic-alpine species exists, the vegetation record from lower Lakes of the Clouds establishes that climatic change could have led to species loss.

    “Although no direct evidence of the extirpation of any arctic-alpine species exists, the vegetation record from lower Lakes of the Clouds establishes that climatic change could have led to species loss.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given
    § IMPACT OF SOIL DEVELOPMENT ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    The appearance of calcicole mosses in the sediments indicates that edaphic conditions changed and litter accumulation and soil acidification began or intensified in response to larger spruce populations.

    “appearance of calcicole mosses in the sediments indicate that edaphic conditions changed and litter accumulation and soil acidification began or intensified in response to larger spruce populations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § PALEOVEGETATION-LOWLAND SITES

    The palynological and plant macrofossil records used in Davis and Jacobson's synthesis show that tundra existed adjacent to the ice front at 14,000 yBP, with poplar woodland beginning to advance northward from the south and southeast.

    “The palynological and plant macrofossil records used in their synthesis show that tundra existed adjacent to the ice front at 14,000 yBP, with poplar woodland beginning to advance northward from the south and southeast.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Davis and Jacobson (1985) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premiseown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Hylocomiastrum umbratum occurs over a wide elevational range but principally in montane spruce-balsam fir-birch and balsam fir forests, rarely up to perhaps 1500 m as recorded for Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington.

    “This moss occurs over a wide elevational range but principally in montane spruce-balsam fir-birch and balsam fir forests, rarely up to perhaps 1500 m as recorded for Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington (Table V).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Table V

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    The authors do not envision the presence of closed forests much above Lakes of the Clouds on the summit cone of Mount Washington in the early Holocene, because achenes of Potentilla tridentata, a subalpine and alpine plant of unstable mineral soil, are found in sediments of this age, indicating areas without tree or shrub canopies near the lake.

    “However, we do not envision the presence of closed forests much above Lakes of the Clouds on the summit cone of Mount Washington in the early Holocene, because achenes of Potentilla tridentata, a subalpine and alpine plant of unstable mineral soil, are found in sediments of this age, indicating areas without tree or shrub canopies near the lake.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    These major vegetation shifts are likely to have involved changes in the species composition of the alpine flora.

    “These major vegetation shifts are likely to have involved changes in the species composition of the alpine flora.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given
    § IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    The termination of cold episodes would have led to decreases in the size of tundra habitats or eliminated them completely.

    “Perhaps more important to the arctic-alpine flora is the termination of cold episodes, which would have led to decreases in the size of tundra habitats or eliminated them completely.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    The Forbes model provides an adequate description of the geographic origin of current floras on a broad continental scale.

    “The Forbes model provides an adequate description of the geographic origin of current floras on a broad continental scale.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation
    § PALEOVEGETATION-LOWLAND SITES

    A reconstruction of late-Quaternary vegetation for northern New England by Davis and Jacobson (1985) begins at 14,000 yBP when ice still covered large parts of Maine and northern Vermont and New Hampshire.

    “A reconstruction of late-Quaternary vegetation for northern New England (central Massachusetts northward) by Davis and Jacobson (1985) begins at 14,000 yBP when ice still covered large parts of Maine and northern Vermont and New Hampshire.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Davis and Jacobson (1985) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PALEOVEGETATION-LOWLAND SITES

    The authors suspect that the vegetation in central New England at about 12,500 yBP was not organized in a zonal pattern (north to south) but that complex patterns were present, reflecting differences in elevation, topography, bedrock, surficial geology, glacial lake position and extent, climate, and other factors that affect plant dispersal, occurrence, and community composition and structure.

    “We suspect that the vegetation was not organized in a zonal pattern (north to south) but that complex patterns were present, reflecting differences in elevation, topography, bedrock, surficial geology, glacial lake position and extent, climate, and other factors that affect plant dispersal, occurrence, and community composition and structure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § IMPACT OF SOIL DEVELOPMENT ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    Edaphic factors (scarcity of calcareous bedrock and surficial deposits) and climatic ones (low mean annual temperatures, wind scouring) may have directly affected floristic diversity in contrast to lowland sites with less severe climate and greater variety of bedrock and substrata.

    “Edaphic factors (scarcity of calcareous bedrock and surficial deposits) and climatic ones (low mean annual temperatures, wind scouring) may have directly affected floristic diversity in contrast to sites in the lowland at which the climate was less severe and a greater variety of bedrock and other substrata occurred (Table I).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    Goldthwait (1976) estimated that in the Presidential Range during the nunatak phase and later in late-glacial time the mean annual temperature was 7-8°C colder, and that intense periglacial activity occurred down to an elevation of 1585 m or perhaps even to 1370 m.

    “Goldthwait (1976) estimated that in the Presidential Range during the nunatak phase (mountain summits surrounded by glacial ice) and later in late-glacial time that the mean annual temperature was 7-8°C colder, and that intense periglacial activity occurred down to an elevation of 1585 m or perhaps even to 1370 m.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Goldthwait (1976)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Openings of this kind presumably existed in the subalpine forest or the higher elevation and more dense krummholz or stands of trees around Lakes of the Clouds in the middle Holocene.

    “Openings of this kind presumably existed in the subalpine forest or the higher elevation and more dense krummholz or stands of trees around Lakes of the Clouds in the middle Holocene.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    The volume of sediment used for macrofossil analysis at lower Lakes of the Clouds (50 mL) was small and about two orders of magnitude less than that at the macrofossil-rich, low-elevation Glacial Lake Hitchcock sites.

    “Moreover, the volume of sediment used for macrofossil analysis (50 mL) was small and about two orders of magnitude less than that at the macrofossil rich, low-elevation Glacial Lake Hitchcock sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    Spear (1989) identified three major shifts in vegetation at Lakes of the Clouds: (1) 11,500 yBP-barren rock to sparse herb and later shrub tundra, (2) 10,300 yBP-herb and shrub tundra to a more continuous vegetation with krummholz and possibly some trees, and (3) 5000 to 6000 yBP-shrub tundra with krummholz to more open conditions.

    “Spear (1989) identified three major shifts in vegetation at this site: (1) 11,500 yBP-barren rock to sparse herb and later shrub tundra, (2) 10,300 yBP-herb and shrub tundra to a more continuous vegetation with krummholz and possibly some trees, and (3) 5000 to 6000 yBP-shrub tundra with krummholz to more open conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear (1989) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation
    § PALEOECOLOGICAL RECORD OF CHANGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ALPINE FLORA

    These mosses are plants of acidic soil and rock in contrast to the lowland paleobryofloras of the same time period, which were dominated by calcicoles.

    “These are plants of acidic soil and rock in contrast to the lowland paleobryofloras of the same time period, which were dominated by calcicoles (Miller, 1993).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Miller, 1993 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ALPINE FLORA

    Warmer conditions meant that less area was available for the alpine flora than earlier, and populations of some alpine plants may have been reduced or eliminated.

    “Warmer conditions meant that less area was available for the alpine flora than earlier, and populations of some alpine plants may have been reduced or eliminated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    A period of higher mean annual temperature may have caused species loss and/or population decreases.

    “A period of higher mean annual temperature may have caused species loss and/or population decreases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY

    Spear (1989) postulated early Holocene upward movement of treeline, ending some time before 6000 yBP.

    “On the basis of macrofossils of Géographie physique et Quaternaire, 53(1), 1999 spruce, balsam fir, and birch, Spear (1989) postulated early Holocene upward movement of treeline, ending some time before 6000 yBP.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Spear (1989) source
87 of 87

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Macrofossils recovered from sediments at lower Lakes of the Clouds represent plants that grew in or near the lake basin.

    “Sediment deposited in Lakes of the Clouds (1542 m), small alpine ponds 1.7 km southwest of the summit of Mount Washington (Fig. 1), contains pollen and plant macrofossils from late-Quaternary alpine vegetation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The reference collection of dissected moss plants and seeds at the New York State Museum is adequate for identifying the fossil specimens.

    “The reference slide collection of dissected moss plants at the New York State Museum, which contains examples of most species in the northern North American bryoflora, facilitated identification.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Radiocarbon ages from lower Lakes of the Clouds are accurate enough to date the events despite lack of δ13C correction.

    “Radiocarbon ages (as yBP) are given as δ 13 C corrected values, except those from lower Lakes of the Clouds for which δ 13 C measurements are not available.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The age/depth relationship calculated by fitting a polynomial regression to several points accurately estimates the age of each sample.

    “The age of each sample was estimated from the age/depth relationship calculated by fitting a polynomial regression to several points.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The modern geographic distributions and ecological tolerances of plant species can be used to infer their past distributions and the past environmental conditions.

    “Present geographic affinities of the 43 terrestrial species identified at the lowland sites are known from the following sources: Hultén and Fries (1986), Fernald (1950), Porsild (1957), Porsild and Cody (1980), Rousseau (1974), and Scoggan (1950).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Pollen types that are not restricted to the alpine zone as a group can be taken to indicate open, sunny, and cold conditions.

    “Although these types are not restricted to the alpine zone as a group, they are taken to indicate open, sunny, and cold conditions.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichum juniperinum, and P. piliferum are all plants of acidic soil.

    “which are all plants of acidic soil.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Changes in mean annual temperature were as great as 5-10°C over a period of several hundred years during late-glacial time.

    “Changes in mean annual temperature were as great as 5-10°C over a period of several hundred years during late-glacial time.”
8 of 8

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Conflicting Canoe Brook spruce pollen percentages

    Minor

    The results report 13% spruce pollen at Canoe Brook, while the later discussion reports 14% for Canoe Brook sediment.

  • Canoe Brook herb pollen components exceed the reported total

    Minor

    The reported sedge, grass, and other-herb percentages sum to 54%, not the stated total herb pollen percentage of 52%.

    Reported 52 · recomputed 54

2 of 2

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 51 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Campbell, C.S., Adams, H.P., Adams, P., Dibble, A.C., Eastman, L.M., Gawler, S.C., Gregory, L.L., Grunden, B.A., Haines, A.D., Jonson, K., Rooney, S.C., Vining, T.F., Weber, J.E. and Wright, W.A., 1995. Checklist of the vascular plants of Maine. Rev. 3. Josselyn Botanical Society of Maine Bulletin, 13. (Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Bulletin, 844.), 100 p.
  2. Gaudreau, D.C., 1986. Late-Quaternary vegetational history of the Northeast: Paleoecological implications of topographic patterns in pollen distributions. Ph.D. dissertation, Yale University, New Haven, 273 p.
  3. Goldthwait, R.P., 1940. Geology of the Presidential Range. New Hampshire Academy of Science Bulletin, 1, 43 p.
  4. Goldthwait, R.P., 1976. Past climates on "The Hill." Mt. Washington Observatory Bulletin, March 1976: 12-16, June 1976: 38-41.
  5. Harries, H., 1966. Soils and vegetation in the alpine and the subalpine belt of the Presidential Range. Ph.D. dissertation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 542 p.
  6. Miller, N.G., 1992. A preliminary account of plant fossils from Glacial Lake Hitchcock, Windsor, Connecticut. New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, 84th Annual Meeting, Guidebook for Field Trips in the Connecticut Valley Region of Massachusetts and Adjacent States. Contributions of the University of Massachusetts Department of Geology, 66: 316, 317.
  7. Pease, A.S., 1964. A Flora of Northern New Hampshire. New England Botanical Club, Cambridge, 278 p.
  8. Spear, R.W., 1981. The history of high-elevation vegetation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Minnesota, 214 p.
  9. Stone, J.R. and Ashley, G.M., 1992. Ice-wedge casts, pingo scars, and the drainage of Glacial Lake Hitchcock. New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, 84th Annual Meeting, Guidebook for Field Trips in the Connecticut Valley Region of Massachusetts and Adjacent States. Contributions of the University of Massachusetts Department of Geology, 66: 305-331.
  10. Thompson, W.B., Fowler, B.K., Flanagan, S.M. and Dorion, C.C., 1996. Recession of the late Wisconsinan ice sheet from the northwestern White Mountains, New Hampshire. Guidebook, New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, 88th Meeting, 203-234.

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Related

Metadata

Authors
Miller, N. G., & Spear, R. W.
Venue
Géographie physique et Quaternaire
Publisher
Consortium Erudit
Published
2002-10-02
Volume
53
Issue
1
Pages
137-157
ISSN
  • 0705-7199 (ISSN-L)
  • 1492-143X
DOI
10.7202/004854ar
OpenAlex
W2103568581
Cited by
31
References
51
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 2
FWCI
0.70
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Géographie physique et Quaternaire (publishedVersion)
  • Érudit (Université de Montréal) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (7402008, 7716638)
  • Yale University
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • U.S. Forest Service
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Atmospheric Science › Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
Keywords
alpine plants, White Mountains, Late Quaternary vegetation history, alpine tundra, disjunct species, paleoflora, pollen analysis, plant macrofossils, bryophytes, krummholz, Younger Dryas, Holocene, Late Glacial deposits, treeline, paleoclimate

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-08, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

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Cited sources are checked with a language model’s help (gpt-6-sol).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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