Altitude and Canopy Cover Effects on Air Temperature in a Mountainous Region of Ionian Islands, Greece

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 fractional canopy cover (Pc) on thermal conditions of a vulnerable mountainous forested region of Greece, Mount (Mt) Aenos on 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 MayOctober 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 the same or similar altitudes, an increase of Pc up to 51% resulted in a significant decrease of Tx (p<0.05) up to 3.6 oC. 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. Current World Environment Journal Website: www.cwejournal.org ISSN: 0973-4929, Vol. 13, No. (3) 2018, Pg. 292-298