tree-ring
Woody annual layer
A tree-ring is one of the concentric circles visible in a cross-section of a tree trunk, each representing a year of growth.
Counting rings reveals a tree's age; their width indicates growing conditions—narrow rings suggest drought or stress, wide rings favorable years.
Tree-ring analysis (dendrochronology) helps date wooden artifacts and reconstruct past climates.
Occurring every year
- cambiumPlant growth tissue
- xylemPlant water conduit
- barkSharp canine vocalization
- heartwoodTree's central wood
sapwood · concentric · radial · seasonal · dormancy · vessel
Study of prehistoric climates
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
- droughtProlonged water scarcity
rainfall · moisture · isotopes · oxygen-18 · carbon-13 · latewood · earlywood · sensitivity
View through interior
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- standardizationImplementing uniform technical specifications
pith · radius · circumference · disturbance
Decaying carbon isotope
- carbon-datingIsotope-based age measurement
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- chronologyTemporal ordering of events
- chronometryScience of precise timekeeping
annual
Occurring every year
heartwood · sapwood · concentric · radial · seasonal · dormancy · vessel
paleoclimatology
Study of prehistoric climates
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
drought · rainfall · moisture · isotopes · oxygen-18 · carbon-13 · latewood · earlywood · sensitivity
cross-section
View through interior
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
standardization · pith · radius · circumference · disturbance
radiocarbon
Decaying carbon isotope
- carbon-datingIsotope-based age measurement
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- chronologyTemporal ordering of events
chronometry · archaeology · cellulose · subfossil · deadwood