Dendrochronology

Dendrochronology

Description

An analysis method for dating wood using the number and width of annual growth rings. The sequential variations in a tree's ring width indicate the yearly climatic conditions for its local growing region. Thus, measurement of 50-100 years of growth rings produces a pattern that can be compared with master charts to determine the active growing years for that particular tree. Research produced by many forestry institutes have resulted in reference charts for Oak, Fir, Spruce, and Beech trees in a variety of geographical zones. Dendrochronology has been used to date structural timbers, archaeological finds, picture frames, panel paintings, and other wooden artifacts.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Dendrochronologie (Deut.); dendrochronologie (Fr.); dendrocronología (Esp., Port.); dendrocronologia (It.); tree ring dating

Resources and Citations

• Jonathan Taylor "Dendrochronology in Dating Timber Framed Buildings and Structures" Building Conservation Directory 2000: Link

• Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986

• Caring for your Collections, Arthur W Schulz (ed.), Harry N. Abrams, Inc. , New York, 1992

• Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998