Dendrochronological Applications

Dendrochronology: dendro: using trees, or more specifically the growth rings of trees chrono: time, or more specifically events in past time logy: the study of Applications in dendrochronology include: ecology: insect outbreaks, forest stand structure, past fires (see image to the right): The white labels mark scars from distinct fires of the past Each of those fires has been dendrochronologically dated to the year it burned climatology: past droughts or cold periods geology: past earthquakes, volcanic eruptions anthropology: past construction, habitation, and abandonment of societies

Photo: Ellis Margolis, U.S. Geological Survey (public domain)

Common objectives: Put the present in perspective of the past Better understand current environmental processes and conditions Improve understanding of possible environmental issues of the future To meet these objectives, the exact year of formation of each growth ring must be known: Merely counting rings doesn't ensure accurate dating Crossdating, also known as pattern matching, ensures accurate dating