Examining the utility of using multiple, co–occurring tree species to increase climate sensitivity in dendrochronology

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Andrew Matej (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Paul Knapp

Abstract: Dendrochronological studies have traditionally centered around the analysis of one tree species from either one location or from multiple locations. Recently, there has been an emergence of multiple species analysis from one location or more that seeks to establish a chronology that crosses the species boundary, as well as the hardwood and softwood divide. The goal of this research is to determine the dendroclimatic benefit of using of multiple, co–occurring tree species collected from a single site. This paper examines the correlation of climactic variables to multiple species of trees sampled from a 0.84 square kilometer mixed-growth forest in the Uwharrie Mountain foothills known as the Margaret J. Nichols Piedmont Longleaf Pine Preserve (hereafter Nichols Tract). Two species of softwood (Pinus palustris and Pinus echinata) were dendrochronologically sampled along with one species of hardwood (Quercus stellata). Using a sample size of n =90 during the period 1935–2016, I evaluate the compatibility of these three species in analyzing climate trends to determine if there is an increase in climatic sensitivity when combining ring–width data from all species. I also address if climatic sensitivity is temporally dependent and why.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
Echinata, Multiple species, Multiple species analysis, Palustris, Stellata
Subjects
Dendroclimatology $z North Carolina $z Uwharrie Mountains
Dendrochronology $z North Carolina $z Uwharrie Mountains

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