The Use of Engelmann Spruce Latewood Density for Dendrochronological Purposes

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Abstract
Two parameters of growth rings from Engelmann spruce (Piceaengelmannii Parry) near Peyto lake, Alberta were studied and compared. Indices of maximum density of the latewood were derived from densitometric plots of X-ray negatives. Indices of ring widths were also obtained from the same specimens. Latewood density proved to be more useful for dendrochronological studies than ring width. The indices of density were significantly correlated with mean maximum air temperature and monthly runoff during August for three rivers in the region near Peyto lake. Analysis of latewood density as well as ring width improves the potential for dating tree-ring materials, and for using them to estimate past environment, especially for trees, such as the Peyto lake Engelmann spruce, with rings that do not vary greatly in width from one year to the next.

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