Dendrochronology (or tree-ring dating) is the scientific method of dating tree rings (also called growth rings) to the exact year they were formed. It is also used as a check in radiocarbon dating to calibrate radiocarbon ages. New growth in trees occurs in a layer of cells near the bark.

How do scientists use tree rings?

Climate scientists compare the tree growth records to local weather records. For locations where a good statistical match exists between tree growth and temperature or precipitation during the period of overlap, the ring widths can be used to estimate past temperature or precipitation over the lifetime of the tree.

What is the science of studying tree rings?

Dendrochronology - The Study of Tree Rings.

Why are tree rings helpful to scientists?

These rings can tell us how old the tree is, and what the weather was like during each year of the trees life. Because trees are sensitive to local climate conditions, such as rain and temperature, they give scientists some information about that areas local climate in the past.

Which is the oldest tree in the world?

Great Basin Bristlecone Pine The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Longaeva) has been deemed the oldest tree in existence, reaching an age of over 5,000 years old. The Bristlecone pines success in living a long life can be contributed to the harsh conditions it lives in.

How many years is a tree-ring?

one year A trees growth rate changes in a predictable pattern throughout the year in response to seasonal climate changes, resulting in visible growth rings. Each ring marks a complete cycle of seasons, or one year, in the trees life.

What causes rings on trees?

Each spring and summer a tree adds new layers of wood to its trunk. The wood formed in spring grows fast, and is lighter because it consists of large cells. In summer, growth is slower; the wood has smaller cells and is darker. So when the tree is cut, the layers appear as alternating rings of light and dark wood.