Dendrochronology of Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata Engelm) as a Basis for the Extension of Dendroclimatic Indices: Research Proposal

It is proposed to make an analysis of growth-rings of bristlecone pine, to construct a tree-ring chronology covering more than four millenia and to investigate the relationship between the tree-rings and climate with the objective of establishing precipitation indices. The research will be based on previous findings with other species and will follow techniques and methodologies developed at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. The research will continue studies initiated by Edmund Schukman under NSF Grant G2274 but terminated by his untimely death in 1958. During the period Dr. Schulman was operating under the NSF Grant, the full significance of the bristlecone pine discovery became apparent, and he left a legacy of material that will make it possible to carry research further into the past than was envisioned at the time the grant was made. The present proposal has been expanded to take advantage of this enlarged opportunity.The research will be conducted on a team basis, utilizing all the skills available at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. The Director of the Laboratory will serve as Principal Investigator, but will utilize the training and knowlege of the laboratory staff in supervising the research program.