The dendrochronology of Callitris intratropica in northern Australia: annual ring structure, chronology development and climate correlations

摘要: In this study we demonstrate the significant dendrochronological potential of Callitris intratropica, a native conifer distributed across much seasonal tropics northern Australia. We developed two rigorously cross-dated chronologies from sites in Northern Territory, The first chronology (1965–2004) was plantation C. intratropica known-age at Howard Springs and heavily replicated both within among trees to evaluate quality cross-dating for species. second (1847–2006) growing naturally near Pine Creek compared with long-term instrumental climate records assess dendroclimatic reconstructions. Both had mean interseries correlations >0.65, highest reported tropical tree demonstrated that produces anatomically distinct annual growth rings consistent ring-width variation necessary rigorous studies. exhibited statistically rainfall Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI; integrated measures plant water stress), lesser extent temperature. strongest between data tree-ring width indices were early monsoon (October–December; Pearson’s r = 0.53) late PDSI (May; r = 0.41). Our demonstrates high-quality research on mainland Australia general, specifically, reconstruct historical Australian system. addition, may be able provide novel insights into dynamics forests role disturbances, such as fire cyclones, these ecosystems.