Project

Tree-ring analysis of Juniperus excelsa from Oman

Juniperus excelsa is a dominant tree species at the highlands of Oman. It can reach age up to 750 years which makes it a promising species for dendroclimatology. However, the question arises whether (i) clearly distinguishable growth layers are formed, (ii) growth layers are annual and (iii) cross-dating of growth-ring series between different trees is possible as this will ultimately determine the potential to use Juniperus excelsa for the reconstruction of climate records.

treeringsjuniperexcelsa.jpg

The results of the study indicated that although juniper forms annual growth layers the general low growth level of these trees does not allow to build up reliable chronologies as it was impossible to trace (the huge amount of) missing rings. Further research requires an integrated approach whereby dendrochronology and 14C14 dating need to be applied.

Cooperation

  • Prof.  Dr. A. Bürkert, University of Kassel, Germany, Organic Plant Production & Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics, Institute of Crop Science
  • Dr. Hubert Leuschner, University of Goettingen, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute, Department of Palynology and Climate Dynamics

Publications

  • Sass-Klaassen, U.; Leuschner, H.H.; Buerkert, A.; Helle, G. (2008) Tree-ring analysis of Juniperus excelsa from the northern Oman mountains. In: Proceedings of the Dendrosymposium 2007, May 3rd - 6th 2007, Riga, Latvia. - Tree rings in Archaeology, Climatology and Ecology 6 . - p. 83 - 90.Potsdam : GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, - p. 83 - 90. Dendrosymposium 2007, 2007-05-03/ 2007-05-06