Scale-dependency is one of the well-known features of ecological boundaries. Unfortunately, there are relatively few case studies analysing boundaries of different scales. Moreover, properties of moving split window (MSW) technique, a method potentially suitable for examining boundaries at several spatial scales, are not fully understood. In this study, we used artificial data sets to test the capacities and limitations of the MSW method. We also applied field data from the Mecsek Mts (Hungary) (611 m a.s.l.) in order to reveal possible boundaries at different scales and to contribute to the knowledge on vegetation pattern of mountain areas. We found that one should apply several window-widths when using MSW, since this is the only way to detect and differentiate between boundaries of different scales. Our study revealed the vegetation pattern of Mt Tubes: there is a series of continuously intergrading mesic communities on the northern slope, while the southern slope is occupied by a mosaic of different xeric communities. In this pattern, boundaries of two different scales have been identified. We conclude that MSW could effectively be used in similar mountain regions to analyse herb layer vegetation patterns and boundaries.
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