Tree-Ring Analysis and Natural Hazard Chronologies: Minimum Sample Sizes and Index Values
Butler DR, Malanson GP, Oelfke JG. 1987. Tree-Ring Analysis and Natural Hazard Chronologies: Minimum Sample Sizes and Index Values. Professional Geographer. 39(1):41-47
Tree-ring dating is employed to reconstruct chronologies of occurrence for a variety of natural hazards. The number of trees sampled varies greatly as does the minimum number of tree-ring responses. The number of trees to be sampled and an acceptable tree-ring response index should be dictated by the nature and geographical extent of the specific hazard under study. Repetitive sampling of different numbers of 30 avalanche-damaged trees showed significant differences in number of tree-ring responses over a 55-year-period. More sampling and use of a higher minimum response index allowed greater confidence in the chronology constructed from tree-rings and compared to historical records. Three geographic scales of analysis that can confound tree-ring responses are identified, and three guidelines for choosing sample size, given variations in processes, are suggested.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Butler, David; Malanson, George; Oelfke, Jack
- Units
- CRCO , GLAC
- Keywords
- dendrogeomorphology, environmental disturbance, natural hazards, tree-ring analysis