Researchers enrich SW China regional climate history with tree ring data
BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have provided new insight into the regional climate history in southwest China's Yunnan Province through scientific analysis of the annual rings of trees in that region.
The study was recently published in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology.
The researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collected samples of Tsuga dumosa, one of the oldest local tree species, from the Wuliang Mountain area in central Yunnan.
The researchers then constructed the tree ring-width chronology of Tsuga dumosa, and analyzed its correlation with climatic factors. They found that moisture availability during the spring-to-early summer season was the key factor that limited tree growth of Tsuga dumosa in the Wuliang Mountain region.
Based on the analysis, the study reveals drought fluctuations at both inter-annual and inter-decadal scales in central Yunnan, along with an increased occurrence of extreme dry or wet events in recent decades.
Moreover, 11 extreme drought years were identified in this region over the past two centuries, with most of them confirmed by historical evidence.
"The study helps us to gain a deeper understanding of the trends and patterns of regional climate change on a 100-year scale," said Fan Zexin, a researcher at XTBG.
"Our study also highlights the dendroclimatic potential of conifer tree species growing in subtropical regions and their ability to capture regional hydroclimate signals," said Fan, adding that the study provides crucial information for evaluating long-term climate change in this region.
Related articles
United Methodists prepare for votes on lifting LGBTQ bans and other issues at General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates are heading into the homestretch of their first le2024-04-30Health Ministry admits failings in handling contracts it awarded to firm with links to Peeni Henare
There has been no suggestion that Peeni Henare was involved in any of the contracting decisions. Pho2024-04-30Alec Baldwin again charged with manslaughter in 'Rust' movie
Alec Baldwin. Photo: AFP / ANGELA WEISS2024-04-30Robyn Malcolm takes out best actress gong at France film festival
Robyn Malcolm has been recognised for her performance in After the Party. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-2024-04-30Caitlin Clark's $28million Nike deal is slammed as Sonny Vaccaro
Among the critics of Caitlin Clark's $28million Nike deal is former company executive Sonny Vaccaro,2024-04-30Alec Baldwin again charged with manslaughter in 'Rust' movie
Alec Baldwin. Photo: AFP / ANGELA WEISS2024-04-30
atest comment