Relationships between salmon abundance and tree-ring δ 15N: three objective tests

D.C. Drake; Paul J. Sheppard; Robert J. Naiman

Treesearch

Relationships between salmon abundance and tree-ring δ ¹⁵N: three objective tests

Formally Refereed

Authors:

D.C. Drake, Paul J. Sheppard, Robert J. Naiman

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Canadian Journal of Forestry Research. 41: 2423-2432

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Abstract

Quantification of a relationship between salmon escapement in rivers and riparian tree-ring δ ¹⁵N could allow reconstruction of prehistorical salmon abundance. Unfortunately, attempts to quantify this link have met with little success. We examined the feasibility of the approach using natural abundance of δ ¹⁵N in riparian tree rings formed before and after extirpation of salmon and ¹⁵N tracer studies in a river and riparian soils.

Citation

Drake, D.C.; Sheppard, Paul J.; Naiman, Robert J. 2011. Relationships between salmon abundance and tree-ring δ ¹⁵N: three objective tests. Canadian Journal of Forestry Research. 41: 2423-2432.