290082 UE Field methods in physical geography (Dendroclimatology) (2013S)

A short introduction to dendrochronology will illustrate the principles and the possibilities of tree-ring research. Samples of Black pine grown in dry areas or at dry sites (Weinviertel, Waldviertel, Wachau) will be taken by the students. Also the preparation and the measurements will be done by the students. The resulting data will be statistically treated (detrending) and the transfer-function will be generated (climate-growth relationships). The consequence of different detrending methods on the results of a reconstruction will be discussed. The comparison of the reconstructed precipitation with actual measured data will show the possibilities and limits of dendroclimatology.