Using Tree Rings to Understand the Impacts of Climate Change in Interior Alaska

Project ID: 14-JV-11261919-030

Federal Agency: U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station

Partner Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage

Fiscal Year: 2014

Initial Funding: $49,858

Total Funding: $540,551

Principal Investigator: Sullivan, Patrick

Agreement Technical Representative: Pattison, Robert

Abstract: Analyze tree cores collected on FIA plots for long term trends in growth and stable carbon isotope composition (d13C). The greatest warming in North America over the past 50 years has occurred in interior Alaska. This warming appears to be driving large scale browning trends (as seen in satellite imagery) across much of the region. Isolated field studies suggest that browning trends may be attributable to declines in tree growth that are linked to drought stress. By analyzing tree cores from field plots we plan to assess historical patterns of growth over the 2014 inventory area and relate those trends to yearly climatic data. Tree cores will also be analyzed for d13C values to assess if potential declines in growth are associated with increased drought stress. This historical information will improve projections of future trends of forest growth in interior Alaska.