An Introduction to Tree-ring DatingTree-ring dating, or dendrochronology, is the study of the chronological sequence of annual growth rings in trees. This book--a seminal study in its field--provides a simple yet eloquent introduction to the discipline, explaining what a dendrochronologist does both in the field and in the laboratory. Authors Stokes and Smiley first explain the basic principles of tree-ring dating, then describe details of the process, step by step, from the time a sample is collected until it is incorporated into a master chronology. The book focuses on coniferous evergreens of the Southwest, particularly pi–ons, because they have wide geographic distribution, constitute a large population, and show excellent growth response to certain controlling factors. The book is specifically concerned with the task of establishing a calendar date for a wood or charcoal specimen. This concise but thorough explication of an important discipline will make dendrochonology more meaningful to students and professionals in archaeology, forestry, hydrology, and global change. |
Contents
The Effect of Site on Tree Growth | 9 |
Double Rings | 16 |
Collection of Modern Specimens | 29 |
LABORATORY TECHNIQUE | 37 |
Preparation of Modern Specimens for Dating | 44 |
Specimens | 52 |
| 65 | |
| 71 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
A. E. Douglass amount angle annual growth annual precipitation annual ring Archaeological Specimens archaeologist average band bark bark-beetle galleries cambium charcoal Charcoal Specimen climatic Compiling a Master Composite Skeleton Plot cone cross dating cross section datable species date specimens dating purposes dendrochronology dendroclimatology double rings Douglas fir earlywood effective soil moisture enduring book environmental eroded factor genetic Geosciences growing season growth rings inches Increment Borer indicated Jack Hannah Laboratory of Tree-Ring Land Claim Project living trees Locally Absent Rings master chronology Measuring Ring Widths meristem method Modern Specimens Navajo Land Claim Old Navajo Hogan ological outermost ring PATTERNS MATCH phloem piņon pine pinpricks pith Ponderosa Pine process of cross produce radial growth resin ducts ring count sample Schematic Secondary Cut Sequence of Rings shows stem Stokes studies surface technique tracheid tracheid cells tree-ring dating Tree-Ring Research trees growing University of Arizona Wood Specimen xylem