Dendrochronology Intensive Summer Course (DISC) 2023

Every tree has a story to tell. Dendrochronology is the study of natural and human processes that are recorded in the annual growth rings of trees. This tree-ring record is archived thanks to the remarkable preservation qualities of wood, and across the wide geographical distribution of trees. Through the science of dendrochronology, a broad range of ecological, climatic, geological, and cultural phenomena can be reconstructed and analyzed with high spatial and temporal resolution.

What is DISC2023?

This year, the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (LTRR) is offering three dendrochronology tracks and two modes of instruction for its intensive summer course:

The Dendroarchaeology track will be conducted in-person and will be led by Dr. Ron Towner. The Dendroecology track will also be conducted in-person and will be led by Dr. Paul Sheppard. And finally, the Dendroclimatology track will be conducted live-online and will be led Dr. David Frank. Participants will be able to hone their skills in track-specific techniques and concepts but also learn about fundamental concepts and the rich inter-disciplinary nature of Dendrochronology. Ample opportunities to interact with participants in other tracks, as well as Invited Speakers will be provided. Read on for more details about each of the tracks!

Dendroarchaeology

This track will emphasize the process of conducting Dendroarchaeological research from start to finish. During this course, participants will collect, analyze and interpret archaeological tree-rings. Participants (undergrads, grads, professionals) will learn the most accurate and precise dating method used by archaeologists via lectures, laboratory exercises, and field work. The centerpiece of this track is the field trip - a tour through multiple archaeological sites in New Mexico. Participants will embark into the field after first receiving instruction in the basics of dendrochronological method and theory. Upon returning from the field, participants will prepare, crossdate and interpret dendroarcheological samples collected during the field trip. Lectures will be presented by course instructors as well as leading tree-ring scientists, including Jeffrey S. Dean and Charlotte Pearson. 

Dendroecology

This year, the ecology track will return to including a field component. The exact location of the field work is still TBD, but the field instruction will include site and tree selection criteria for dendro projects (past climate, fire history, stand dynamics), learning how to collect high-quality tree cores and possibly cross sections from fallen logs, and proper care and maintenance of the equipment. Samples collected in the field will be processed in the wood shop and analyzed in the lab for the remainder of DISC. This field excursion will involve camping for a few days, so bring your tent, sleeping bag and other camping gear if you have it (gear can be rented if you don't have it).

Dendroclimatology

This track will emphasize the application of tree-ring data from the International Tree-Ring Databank (ITRDB) to the reconstruction of climatic and hydrologic time series. Lectures from researchers experienced in dendroclimatic reconstruction projects at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales will give an overview of diverse applications of networks of tree-ring data in climatology and hydrology. With guidance of the instructor, students will design and conduct a mini-research project that includes 1) assembly and quality control of data, 2) tree-ring standardization, 3) climate signal identification, 4) climate or streamflow reconstruction, and 5) climatological interpretation of reconstructions with the aid of time series and statistical methods. Students are welcome to include their own tree-ring data sets in the course activities and analyses steps.

NOTE: The online Dendroclimatology track will focus on analytical methods and data analyses. We expect that these two tracks will be most appealing and useful to participants who have some background and knowledge in tree-ring research but are looking to deepen their analytical skills. Prospective students should be familiar with tree-ring data, have a basic knowledge of statistics at the introductory level, and have some experience with the use of R computing software for data analysis and statistics.