Tree-Ring Talk

Tree-ring δ13C tracks flux tower ecosystem productivity estimates in a NE temperate forest

We investigated relationships between tree-ring δ13C and growth, and flux tower estimates of gross primary productivity (GPP) at Harvard Forest from 1992 to 2010.  Seasonal variations of derived photosynthetic isotope discrimination (D13C) and leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) showed significant increasing trends for the dominant deciduous and coniferous species.

The East-West Mediterranean Moisture Gradient: Multi-Decadal Phasing Changes from Mediterranean Tree Rings

Diagnosing the causes of the Mediterranean drying trend now being observed requires a temporal perspective that is not possible through relatively short instrumental climate records. In the simplest case, it is possible to take long tree-ring chronologies from the east-west poles of Mediterranean Basin and evaluate these records for changing patterns of variability since medieval times.

Tree Ring Isotopes (¹³C and ¹⁸O), Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency and Tree Growth of Mexican Forest Species: Trends in the last century.

Tree rings are useful to study changes if forest productivity, human-induced changes in atmospheric composition and physiological responses of trees to climate variability. This presentation will show particular experiences about the response of some Mexican forest species to changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere. We used isotopic measurements (¹³C, ¹⁸O, and ¹⁵N) and dendrochronological techniques to deduce these responses.

Dendroclimatology in Taiwan: from the cloud forest to the tree line

Are you tired of the same old environmental recipes controlling tree growth in your research area? Consider making a Taiwan! It’s easier than you think! Simply choose an island with tall jagged mountains, and place it in the ocean next to a very large continent. Now turn on a fast seasonally stable jet stream just to the north, and bathe the east coast in a massive fast moving warm ocean current. Oh, and make sure it straddles the boundary between the tropics and subtropics.

Stem anatomy of Mediterranean shrubs: an unexplored dendrochronological potential?

In treeless regions, shrubs and dwarf shrubs play an essential role in modeling relationships between wood anatomical diversity patterns and climate, growth ring variation and consequent carbon storage within plant communities. An extensive sampling campaign (including ~300 species) of shrubs and dwarf shrubs carried out on the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, made it possible to analyze wood and bark anatomical features for ecological and evolutionary interpretation.

Process models of post-fire tree growth and mortality

Fire effects on tree growth and mortality result from an interaction of heat injuries to the roots, stem, and crown, but the mechanisms by which these injuries occur and interact are not completely understood. In this talk, I will discuss the current understanding of the physical and physiological mechanisms linking fire behavior to post-fire growth and mortality.

The Olive in Crete

The olive-tree of the Mediterranean is probably the world’s longest-lived cultivated plant. Olives generally, and ancient trees, are especially abundant in the island of Crete. Olives have been part of Crete’s successive cultures and cultural landscapes since the Neolithic, some 9000 years ago. We shall deal with the African origins of the olive tree, how it got to Crete, the uses made of it, and the present and future of ancient existing trees.

Self-reinforcing patterns of forest fire severity in the southern Cascades, USA

Forest fire severity in dry conifer forests in California has increased in recent decades resulting in more severe fire effects. There is considerable scientific debate on whether this increase is outside the historical range of variability. One of the challenges in making this assessment is that for most places, we don't know what historical patterns of fire severity were and how they compare to contemporary patterns.

Modeling tree growth for projections and physiological inference

Tree growth is a critical process in biogeochemical cycles, forest health, and a vital rate fundamental to understanding ecological and evolutionary change of forests.  In this talk I will discuss growth from three different angles.  I will first look at growth of individual trees, linking intra-annual growth to weather, and in particular precipitation.  This is part of a research program to tie physiological processes to vital rates and higher-level population dynamics.

Late Holocene fire and climate history of the western San Juan Mountains, Colorado: Results from alluvial stratigraphy and tree-ring methods.

the study area from the air

This talk is the public part of Erica Bigio's PhD dissertation defense.

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