Investigations in radial tree-ring growth of Pinus jeffreyi along elevation gradient in San Jacinto.

Keywords: Tree-ring, Drought, Climate, Ring Width, Basil Area Increment, Dendrochronology
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 2

Abstract

Over the past century we have observed global temperatures rise as a result of anthropogenic activities. Due to this change the spatiotemporal effects of droughts have increased as natural hazard. The purpose of this study to understand the changing response of California mixed conifer forests to the ongoing effects of a changing climate. To close this research gap, we have selected of Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf). As one of the most abundant species of in the transverse cismontane regions its spatial distribution is within the bounds of various ecotones along the elevation gradient. By analyzing its radial growth by comparing Basil Area Increment (BAI) and Ring Width Index (RWI) we hope to understand the nature of past drought events and help predict future events. Tree cores were collected from three elevation belts – lower (500 – 1000 m), middle (1500 – 2000 m), and upper (2500 – 3000 m). Cores processed using standard dendrochronological methods. Ring width was measured with the Velmex tree-ring measurement systemand software (J2X). Visual cross dating and statistical tests (COFETCHA, ARSTAN, treeclim, bootRes, and dplR) were used to remove age related noise. Findings from this study will help forest managers and United States Forest Service manage the changing southwestern forest ecosystem.