Dendrochronology: A Case Study
Examining the Effects of
Microclimates in High Elevation
Subalpine Fir Stands
Michael Guindon & Mike Kit
Introduction
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What is Dendrochronology?
Purpose of our Study
Site Description
Methods & Results
Discussion
Limitations
Conclusion
What is Dendrochronology?
• The science of studying tree-ring patterns
– Dating geomorphic events
– Understanding environmental change
– Correlating growth patterns to climate
Purpose of Study
• Examine influence of climate on growth of
Subalpine fir on east and west slopes
• Determine probable factors affecting tree
growth in individual trees
Site Description – Abbott Ridge
Site Description – Avalanche Crest
Methods
1. Collection of 13 tree cores from each site
2. Sanding
3. WinDendro Measurements
4. COFECHA Analysis
Results
Cross Dating
• Low Series Intercorrelation
• High Autocorrelation
• Individual Limiting Factors
Wind as a Limiting Factor
• Creates Microclimates
• Causes Physical Stress
Topography as a Limiting Factor
• Terrain
• Windthrow
Pedogenesis as a Limiting Factor
• Nutrients
• Moisture
Biotic Interactions as a Limiting Factor
• Genetic Thresholds
• Competition
Limitations
• Small Sample Size
• Individual Tree Site Details
• More Sample Sites
Conclusion
• Micro-scale limiting factors
• Wind, Topography, Soil Development,
Nutrient/Moisture Availability, Competition
and Genetic Thresholds
Questions??