Dendrochronological responses to the 24 October 1992 tornado at Sunset Crater, northern Arizona

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 2911-2919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R Sheppard ◽  
Elizabeth M May ◽  
Michael H Ort ◽  
Kirk C Anderson ◽  
Mark D Elson
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Reaction Wood ◽  
Release Reaction ◽  
Archaeological Wood ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Growth Changes ◽  
Tornado Damage

This paper documents tree-ring responses to a historic tornado and reevaluates prehistoric tree-ring changes seen in archaeological wood of Wupatki Ruin used to date the 11th-century eruption of Sunset Crater. The historic tornado occurred at Sunset Crater, northern Arizona, on 24 October 1992, and trees within areas damaged by the tornado survived the event and continue living today. The objectives of this research were to document their ring-growth changes and to consider the possibility of tornadoes as a candidate disturbance for the prehistoric ring-growth changes of Wupatki. About half of the trees sampled within areas damaged by the tornado show one or more dendrochronological responses to that event, including ring-width release, reaction wood, ring-width suppression, and (or) reduced latewood. Tornado damage is not a likely candidate for having caused the abrupt ring-width changes at AD 1064–1065 seen at Wupatki. However, five living ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. & C. Laws.) at Sunset Crater experienced abrupt and severe suppressions in ring growth beginning decades ago and continuing today. No single disturbance seems obvious for causing these growth suppressions, but further research is merited to find the cause of these modern suppressions to propose a new candidate explanation for the AD 1064 suppression.

Thirteenth Century AD

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Stahle ◽  
Dorian J. Burnette ◽  
Daniel Griffin ◽  
Edward R. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Thirteenth Century ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Summer Drought ◽  
Dry Land ◽  
Ancestral Pueblo ◽  
Archaeological Wood ◽  
Mesa Verde

The hypothesis that a prolonged drought across southwestern North America in the late thirteenth century contributed to the abandonment of the region by Ancestral Pueblo populations, ultimately including the depopulation of the Mesa Verde region, continues to be a focus of archaeological research in the Pueblo region. We address the hypothesis through the re-measurement of tree-ring specimens from living trees and archaeological wood at Mesa Verde, Colorado, to derive chronologies of earlywood, latewood, and total ring width. The three chronology types all date from AD 480 to 2008 and were used to separately reconstruct cool and early warm season effective moisture and total water-year precipitation for Chapin Mesa near many of the major prehistoric archaeological sites. The new reconstructions indicate three simultaneous cool and early growing season droughts during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that may have contributed to the environmental and social factors behind Ancestral Pueblo migrations over this sector of the Colorado Plateau. These sustained inter-seasonal droughts included the “Great Drought” of the late-thirteenth century, which is estimated to have been one of the most severe regimes of cool and early summer drought in the last 1,500-years and coincided with the end of Puebloan occupations at Mesa Verde. The elevation of the 30 cm isohyet of water-year precipitation reconstructed for southwestern Colorado from the new ring-width data is mapped from AD 1276–1280 and identifies areas where dry-land cultivation of maize may not have been practical during the driest years of the Great Drought. There is no doubt about the exact dating of the tree-ring chronologies, but the low sample size of dated specimens from Mesa Verde during the late-thirteenth and fourteenth centuries contributes uncertainty to these environmental reconstructions at the time of abandonment.

scholarly journals Floating Larch Tree-Ring Chronologies from Archaeological Timbers in the Russian Altai Between about 800 BC and AD 800

Radiocarbon ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 693-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Panyushkina ◽  
Igor Sljusarenko ◽  
Nikolay Bikov ◽  
Eugene Bogdanov
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Tree Rings ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Tree Ring Width ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Archaeological Wood ◽  
Pazyryk Culture ◽  
Tree Ring Data

We obtained over 200 archaeological wood specimens from the southeastern part of the Altai Mountains (Russia) to establish accurate calendar dates of the timbers using both radiocarbon and tree-ring analyses. Most timbers came from small and elite tombs of the Pazyryk culture (Siberian Scythians of the Iron Age period). Timbers from Hun-Sarmatian and Turk times (1st millennium AD) were studied for the first time. Three floating tree-ring width chronologies of larch (Larix sibirica) with lengths of 486 yr to 144 yr were developed from the tree-ring data. Tree rings of the composite 486-yr chronology of the Pazyryk culture represent the regional scale of Altai tree-ring width variability between about 720–240 BC. The composite chronology dates the earliest construction of Pazyryk culture tombs to ∼320 BC (ordinary tombs) and the latest ones at 240 BC (Pazyryk noble tomb #5). The composite chronology might be used for tree-ring dating wood from Scythian tombs in the region. It will also help confirm the precision of 14C dating of the Scythian tombs around the Hallstatt plateau of 14C calibration curves. We developed a 110-yr decadal 14C sequence from the Kurayka site that dates Kok-Pash culture timbers back to cal AD 240 (Hun-Sarmatian period). 14C dates of wooden poles from 3 sites of Turk stone enclosures suggested wood cutting dates between cal AD 470 and 830. The results demonstrate that crossdating tree rings along with 14C dating of crossdated rings provide the most reliable and highest precision dates for these archaeological sites.

Tree-ring dated landslide movements and their relationship to seismic events in southwestern Montana, USA

2003 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E. Carrara ◽  
J. Micheal O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Marked Reduction ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Wood Formation ◽  
Seismic Events ◽  
Reaction Wood ◽  
Annual Ring Width ◽  
Southwestern Montana ◽  
Virginia City ◽  
Landslide Movement

AbstractTo determine periods of incremental landslide movement and their possible relationship to regional seismic events, the tree-ring records of 32 tilted and damaged conifers at three sites on landslides in the Gravelly Range of southwestern Montana were examined. Several signs of disturbance in the tree-ring record indicating landslide movement were observed. Commonly, the tree-ring record displayed a marked reduction in annual ring width and/or the reaction wood formation. The tree-ring records from the three landslide sites indicate multiple periods of movement during the 20th century. Many of the periods of movement indicated by the strongest signals (most trees) at the sites occurred the year following significant earthquakes in the region. Those seismic events for which evidence in the tree-ring record was found at one or more of the three sites are the 1983 Borah Peak, 1959 Hebgen Lake, 1935 Helena, 1925 Clarkson, and 1908 Virginia City earthquakes. This study suggests that many of the landslide movements were triggered by, or are coincident with, earthquakes as much as 200 km from the study area.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Tree-Ring Growths of Pinus densiflora and Climate from Three Mountains in Central Region, the Republic of Korea

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 878
Author(s):  
Chang-Hyun Park ◽  
Ui-Cheon Lee ◽  
Soo-Chul Kim ◽  
Kwang-Hee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Pinus Densiflora ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Logarithmic Curve ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Relationship

To analyze the relationship between climatic factors (monthly mean temperature and total precipitation) and tree-ring growths of Pinus densiflora from the central region of the Republic of Korea, more than 20 trees were sampled from three national parks. The tree-ring chronology of Mt. Bukhan covering the period of 1917–2016 was assessed, as well as that of Mt. Seorak across 1687–2017 and Mt. Worak across 1777–2017. After cross-dating, each ring-width series was double-standardized by first fitting a logarithmic curve and then a 50 year cubic spline. Climate-growth relationships were computed with bootstrap correlation functions. The result of the analysis showed a positive response from the current March temperature and May precipitations for tree-ring growth of Pinus densiflora. It indicates that a higher temperature supply during early spring season and precipitation during cambium activity are important for radial growths of Pinus densiflora from the central region in the Republic of Korea.

Climate control of cambial dynamics and tree-ring width in two tropical pines in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 303 ◽  
pp. 108394
Author(s):  
Nathsuda Pumijumnong ◽  
Piyarat Songtrirat ◽  
Supaporn Buajan ◽  
Sineenart Preechamart ◽  
Uthai Chareonwong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Tree Ring Width ◽  
Climate Control

scholarly journals The European Heat Wave 2018: The Dendroecological Response of Oak and Spruce in Western Germany

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 283
Author(s):  
Burkhard Neuwirth ◽  
Inken Rabbel ◽  
Jörg Bendix ◽  
Heye R. Bogena ◽  
Boris Thies
Keyword(s):  
Heat Wave ◽  
Tree Ring ◽  
Sap Flow ◽  
Hot Spring ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Heat Response ◽  
Western Germany

The European heat wave of 2018 was characterized by extraordinarily dry and hot spring and summer conditions in many central and northern European countries. The average temperatures from June to August 2018 were the second highest since 1881. Accordingly, many plants, especially trees, were pushed to their physiological limits. However, while the drought and heat response of field crops and younger trees have been well investigated in laboratory experiments, little is known regarding the drought and heat response of mature forest trees. In this study, we compared the response of a coniferous and a deciduous tree species, located in western and central–western Germany, to the extreme environmental conditions during the European heat wave of 2018. Combining classic dendroecological techniques (tree–ring analysis) with measurements of the intra–annual stem expansion (dendrometers) and tree water uptake (sap flow sensors), we found contrasting responses of spruce and oak trees. While spruce trees developed a narrow tree ring in 2018 combined with decreasing correlations of daily sap flow and dendrometer parameters to the climatic parameters, oak trees developed a ring with above–average tree–ring width combined with increasing correlations between the daily climatic parameters and the parameters derived from sap flow and the dendrometer sensors. In conclusion, spruce trees reacted to the 2018 heat wave with the early completion of their growth activities, whereas oaks appeared to intensify their activities based on the water content in their tree stems.

scholarly journals Prospects of Using Tree-Ring Earlywood and Latewood Width for Reconstruction of Crops Yield on Example of South Siberia

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Elena A. Babushkina ◽  
Dina F. Zhirnova ◽  
Liliana V. Belokopytova ◽  
Nivedita Mehrotra ◽  
Santosh K. Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Siberian Larch ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Yield Variation ◽  
South Siberia ◽  
Crops Yield ◽  
Reconstruction Model

Improvement of dendrochronological crops yield reconstruction by separate application of earlywood and latewood width chronologies succeeded in rain-fed semiarid region. (1) Background: Tree-ring width chronologies have been successfully applied for crops yield reconstruction models. We propose application of separated earlywood and latewood width chronologies as possible predictors improving the fitness of reconstruction models. (2) Methods: The generalized yield series of main crops (spring wheat, spring barley, oats) were investigated in rain-fed and irrigated areas in semiarid steppes of South Siberia. Chronologies of earlywood, latewood, and total ring width of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) growing in forest-steppe in the middle of the study area were tested as predictors of yield reconstruction models. (3) Results: In the rain-fed territory, separation of earlywood and latewood allowed increasing variation of yield explained by reconstruction model from 17.4 to 20.5%, whereas total climatic-driven component of variation was 41.5%. However, both tree-ring based models explained only 7.7% of yield variation in the irrigated territory (climate inclusion increased it to 34.8%). Low temperature sensitivity of larch growth was the main limitation of the model. A 240-year (1780–2019) history of crop failures and yield variation dynamics were estimated from the actual data and the best reconstruction model. (4) Conclusions: Presently in the study region, breeding of the environment-resistant crops varieties compensates the increase of temperature in the yield dynamics, preventing severe harvest losses. Tree-ring based reconstructions may help to understand and forecast response of the crops to the climatic variability, and also the probability of crop failures, particularly in the rain-fed territories.

scholarly journals Germination, Establishment, and Mortality of Naturally Seeded Southwestern Ponderosa Pine

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Stein ◽  
Diana N. Kimberling
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Mortality Factors ◽  
Seedling Mortality ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Lepidopteran Larvae

Abstract Information on the mortality factors affecting naturally seeded conifer seedlings is becoming increasingly important to forest managers for both economic and ecological reasons. Mortality factors affecting ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings immediately following natural germination and through the following year were monitored in Northern Arizona. The four major mortality factors in temporal order included the failure of roots to establish in the soil (27%), herbivory by lepidopteran larvae (28%), desiccation (30%), and winterkill (10%). These mortality factors were compared among seedlings germinating in three different overstory densities and an experimental water treatment. Seedlings that were experimentally watered experienced greater mortality than natural seedlings due to herbivory (40%), nearly as much mortality due to the failure of roots to establish in the soil (20%), less mortality due to winterkill (5%), and no mortality due to desiccation. The seedling mortality data through time were summarized using survivorship curves and life tables. Our results suggest that managers should consider using prescribed burns to decrease the percentage of seedlings that die from failure of their roots to reach mineral soil and from attack by lepidopteran larvae. West. J. Appl. For. 18(2):109–114.

Drought signals inferred from ring-width and stable carbon isotope chronologies from Thuja occidentalis trees growing at their northwestern distribution limit, central Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Au ◽  
Jacques C. Tardif
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Tree Rings ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotopes ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotope ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Ring Formation ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Stable Carbon ◽  
Thuja Occidentalis ◽  
Central Canada

Stable carbon isotopes (δ13C) fixed in tree rings are dependent upon environmental conditions. Old northern white-cedar ( Thuja occidentalis L.) trees were sampled at their northwestern limit of distribution in central Canada. The objectives of the study were (i) to investigate the association between tree-ring δ13C values and radial growth in addition to the response of these variables to climate, (ii) to assess site differences between two sites varying in moisture regime, and (iii) to compare tree-ring δ13C of T. occidentalis with that of other boreal tree species growing at the northern limit of their distribution in central Canada. Over 2500 tree rings comprised of 15 T. occidentalis trees were analyzed for δ13C. Annually resolved δ13C (1650–2006) and ring-width (1542–2006) chronologies were developed. During the year of ring formation, ring width was associated with spring and early-summer conditions, whereas δ13C was more indicative of overall summer conditions. However, compared with δ13C values, ring width was more often associated with climate conditions in the year prior to ring formation. Conditions conducive to moisture stress were important for both parameters. Although ring width and δ13C corresponded to the drought intervals of the 1790s, 1840s, 1890s, 1930s, and 1960–1970, ring width may be more responsive to prolonged drought than δ13C. Tree-ring δ13C could, however, provide important information regarding physiological adaptations to drought.

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