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Australia's climate: Drought and flooding in annual rings of tropical trees
June 12, 2009Chronology of growth rings from tropical Australia compiled for the first time
Annual rings are acclaimed in representing natural climate archives. For the temperate latitudes it is known that the growth of these annual rings depend mainly on temperature and precipitation. In the tropics, however, with only slight seasonal variations, the correlation is not so evident. Now scientists of the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and their colleagues of the Australian National University have been able to prove that tree growth in north-east Australia depends mainly on the annual precipitation. Furthermore, in the recent edition of the journal "Climate Dynamics" (No. 33 -1, P. 63-73) they showed that growth rings are most suitable as climate proxy data for the registration of the precipitation dynamics in Australia.
Australia is periodically influenced by the climate fluctuations ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) and, thus, regularly afflicted by strong periods of drought with bush fires and flooding due to extremely strong rain fall. In order to more precisely investigate the, for the Australians so important, precipitation fluctuations of the past centuries, scientists working with Ingo Heinrich of the GFZ, a member Institute of the Helmholtz-Association, examined tropical trees from the remote highland rain forests of Australia. The analysis lead to one of the few existing annual ring chronologies from tropical rain forests worldwide. "Our time line actually represents the first ever growth ring chronology in tropical Australia", says Ingo Heinrich.
To date the seasonal climate forecast for Australia has been based on calculations of the fluctuations of the indexes of ENSO or of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), a method that, however, has not always proven to be reliable. "Through multiple correlation analysis we were now able to prove that the growth rings provide the better proxy data in comparison to ENSO or IPO with respect to precipitation dynamics", adds Ingo Heinrich.
In further steps at additional locations and through a combination with coral proxy data the scientists aim to accomplish considerable progress in the development of reliable climate forecasting from such growth rings.
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
To date the seasonal climate forecast for Australia has been based on calculations of the fluctuations of the indexes of ENSO or of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), a method that, however, has not always proven to be reliable. "Through multiple correlation analysis we were now able to prove that the growth rings provide the better proxy data in comparison to ENSO or IPO with respect to precipitation dynamics", adds Ingo Heinrich.
In further steps at additional locations and through a combination with coral proxy data the scientists aim to accomplish considerable progress in the development of reliable climate forecasting from such growth rings.
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Growth Rings Current Events and Growth Rings News RSS'Killer' Southeast Drought Low on Scale, Says Study
A 2005-2007 dry spell in the southeastern United States destroyed billions of dollars of crops, drained municipal reservoirs and sparked legal wars among a half-dozen states-but the havoc came not from exceptional dryness but booming population and bad planning, says a new study.
The least sea ice in 800 years
New research, which reconstructs the extent of ice in the sea between Greenland and Svalbard from the 13th century to the present indicates that there has never been so little sea ice as there is now. The research results from the Niels Bohr Institute, among others, are published in the scientific journal, Climate Dynamics.
Young dinosaurs roamed together, died together
A herd of young birdlike dinosaurs met their death on the muddy margins of a lake some 90 million years ago, according to a team of Chinese and American paleontologists that excavated the site in the Gobi Desert in western Inner Mongolia.
New Deep-Sea Coral Discovered on NOAA-Supported Mission
Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral discovered on a NOAA-funded mission in the deep waters of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Sea level rise of 1 meter within 100 years
New research indicates that the ocean could rise in the next 100 years to a meter higher than the current sea level - which is three times higher than predictions from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC.
Duck-billed dinosaurs outgrew predators to survive
With long limbs and a soft body, the duck-billed hadrosaur had few defenses against predators such as tyrannosaurs. But new research on the bones of this plant-eating dinosaur suggests that it had at least one advantage: It grew to adulthood much faster than its predators, giving it superiority in size.
Saltwater Sleuths: NOAA Researchers Seek Clues in Unusual Places to Help Determine the Ages of Fish and Shellfish Populations
Fishery biologist Sandy Sutherland looks through the lens of the microscope at tiny sections of fish earbones, known as otoliths, each showing annual bands of growth.
Heatwave on the top of the world
The French Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC, or GIEC in French) has just announced the conclusions of its 4th report, which restates that global warming has increased the average temperature by 0.74°C over the last century.
FSU biologist says new dinosaur is oldest cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex
Tyrannosaurus rex, meet your newest -- oldest -- cousin. Florida State University paleobiologist Gregory M. Erickson sliced up some ancient dinosaur bones uncovered in China to help an international team of scientists identify a new genus and species.
Tiny Marine Organisms Reflect Ocean Warming
Sediment cores collected from the seafloor off Southern California reveal that plankton populations in the Northeastern Pacific changed significantly in response to a general warming trend that started in the early 1900s.
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Growth Dynamics of Conifer Tree Rings: Images of Past and Future Environments (Ecological Studies) by E.A. Vaganov (Author), M.K. Hughes (Author), A.V. Shashkin (Author) Each tree ring contains an image of the time when the ring formed, projected onto the ring's size, structure, and composition. Tree rings thus are natural archives of past environments, and contain records of past climate. While dendrochronologists have investigated the impact of climate on tree-ring growth by empirical–statistical methods, this volume presents a process-based model complementing previous approaches. Basic ideas concerning the biology of tree-ring growth and its control by environmental factors are treated, especially for conifers. The use of the model is illustrated by means of several examples from widely differing environments, and possible future directions for model development and application are discussed. The volume provides an improved mechanistic basis for the... |
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Napkin rings, 'New Growth' (set of 4) by Novica NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Delicate tendrils and newly sprouting leaves gently enfold ceramic surfaces in ethereal beauty. Painting celadon ceramics since adolescence, Thatsanee and Ramphan are experts in the traditional, world-renowned craft. Proud of their work, they hope to pass their knowledge on to others to preserve the ancient secrets of this difficult skill. This set of four napkin rings adds a touch of elegance to any table. Artisan Info: Thatsanee was born in Sankamphang, a land of beautiful and attractive handicrafts, celadon items chief among them. According to Thatsanee, "I worked in a bank for quite... |
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Black Red Blue Growth Ring Pendant Murano Glass Gift by Pugster Cute, dazzling and sophisticated, the Pugster black red and blue growth ring Pendant is an excellent addition to your fashion ensemble. Whether you use it to add spice to your dressier clothes, or dress up your casual outfits, this unique black red and blue growth ring pendant is the perfect tool for the job. Crafted with a keen eye to quality, design and fashion, a Pugster pendant is sure to make a long-lasting fashion impression on the people that matter the most. Like all pendants crafted and authenticated by Pugster (TM) Inc., these black red and blue growth ring Pendants are available for both wholesale and retail purchase.var rf =... |
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Steam Bending Bow Wood and Removing Growth Rings Directed By: David Robertson | |
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Steam Bending Bow Wood and Removing Growth Rings This DVD covers how to steam, straighten, bending, and how to remove growth rings on your bow stave. This DVD was made with David Robertson. David has been teaching how to make Self Bows for over 15 years. In the past David has taught bow classes in Canada and locally. He has used his experience to create a comprehensive instructional DVD for the beginning bow maker.Now you can learn from a pro How to Steam your Bow stave and straighten the not so perfect bow stave This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
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Weedseal Heavy Duty 32" Diameter Ring by EWINS Weedseal 32" Heavy Duty is a new, dynamic product manufactured from recycled tire materials that helps eliminate labor-intensive trimming operations around sign posts, utility poles, fire hydrants, gas markers and pipes, water spigotsalmost anything you can think of where weed control is a problem. Weedseal can drastically reduce labor costs and eliminate the use of harsh, expensive chemicals and will pay for itself within one year of purchase. Because of its large diameter and durable one-piece construction, workers can now simply mow right up to the Weedseal surrounded object and keep on going. |
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Rings of Growth by Cecil Friedlander (Author) His wife's comment is only partly true, but James's life as a farmer and a businessman in Gloucestershire is a far cry from the war-torn streets of Warsaw, where he spent his boyhood as Janek Zagorski. This elegant and insightful novel moves with ease from Poland to post-war London and the English countryside, tracing the difficulties James encounters early in his marriage, his concerns about the English and their apparent lack of 'inner life' and his bravery in making a new start with his wife and daughter. Disaster arrives on his doorstep in Gloucestershire, and further away in Poland, presenting James with his greatest challenge yet. He responds with action, helped by a wonderful circle of friends and by something bigger than any concept of Polish or English identity - something... |
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Fisher Rock - A - Stack PINK by Fisher Price Some things never go out of style. A rainbow of five rings fits over a cone with rocking base. Stacking toys help baby develop fine motor skills while encouraging cognitive abilities. Made of teethable material. |
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Rings of growth: Poems celebrating Palo Alto's 100 years and photos of the town's familiar textures by Ryland Kelley (Author) | |
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Rings of Growth by Ryland Kelly (Author) Poems Celebrating Palo Alto's 100 Years and Photos of the Town's Familiar Textures |
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