Tree biology and dendrochemistry

Kevin T. Smith; Walter Shortle

Treesearch

Tree biology and dendrochemistry

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Kevin T. Smith, Walter Shortle

Year:

1996

Type:

Other

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Dean, J.S.; Meko, D.M.; Swetnam, T.W., eds. Tree rings, Environment and Humanity; Proceedings of an International Conference. Tucson, AZ: Radiocarbon: 629-635.

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Abstract

Dendrochemistry, the interpretation of elemental analysis of dated tree rings, can provide a temporal record of environmental change. Using the dendrochemical record requires an understanding of tree biology. In this review, we pose four questions concerning assumptions that underlie recent dendrochemical research: 1) Does the chemical composition of the wood directly reflect that of the soil? 2) Can the analysis of individual rings pinpoint the specific year of environmental change? 3) Are differences in element concentration in the wood directly related to chemical differences in the sap? 4) Are samples selected for dendrochemistry free of the effects of tree injury and infection? We suggest methods to reduce the uncertainty from these assumptions.

Citation

Smith, Kevin T.; Shortle, Walter C. 1996. Tree biology and dendrochemistry. In: Dean, J.S.; Meko, D.M.; Swetnam, T.W., eds. Tree rings, Environment and Humanity; Proceedings of an International Conference. Tucson, AZ: Radiocarbon: 629-635.