Abstract

GIRALDO JIMENEZ, Jorge Andrés. Dendrocronology in the tropics: current and potential applications. Colomb. for. [online]. 2011, vol.14, n.1, pp.97-111. ISSN 0120-0739.

Tree rings are bands of cells produced by the vascular cambium in a period of time. The existence of rings in tropical trees has been questioned by several researchers. However, many tropical tree species form annual tree-rings and have been used to reconstruct past environmental conditions of a site. Early dendrochronology studies in the tropics were carried out from late XIX. In most tropical countries, dendrochronologycal researches have been carried out in dry and wet climates, from sea level to the limit of the tree-line over than 4000 m altitude. This paper presents the backgrounds of dendrochronology in temperate and tropical regions, the principles that guide this science and some applications. The results of many successful experiences have been presented in order to encourage the application of this fascinating science in tropical regions.

Keywords : solar activity; growth rings; tropical trees; stable isotopes; climate reconstruction.

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