A dendrochronological and stable isotope assessment of a dominant tree species across the Big Cypress National Preserve landscape: the role of environmental variables and vulnerability in a changing climate
Angelo C. A dendrochronological and stable isotope assessment of a dominant tree species across the Big Cypress National Preserve landscape: the role of environmental variables and vulnerability in a changing climate. 2021-2026. National Park Service
This study uses dendrochronology techniques and stable isotopes to determine the age structure of the dominant tree species, Taxodium ascendens (dwarf cypress), by analyzing annual tree growth increments (“tree rings”) of this charismatic species. These ring widths and isotope measurements are used to assess how fire and hydrology are affecting trees in BICY over temporal and spatial scales. This study determines the age of dominant tree species in BICY and the effects of fire and hydrology on the growth of these species. Furthermore, understanding how these species respond to environmental factors allows a better understanding of growth dynamics under climate change. The research Questions addressed in this project include: What is the age and growth rates of T. ascendens trees across the BICY landscape?, How are species’ growth rates related to environmental variables - fire and hydrology?, Is this species vulnerable under changing environmental factors such as fire and hydrological patterns?
- Type
- Project
- Authors
- Angelo, Courtney
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- BICY
- Keywords
- climate change, dendrochronological, dendrochronology, dwarf cypress, fire, hydrological patterns, stable isotope, Taxodium ascendens, tree growth