A major problem with many such sites is that their history is largely unknown. This means that it is difficult to place the observations made at the sites within any sort of temporal context. Tree-ring analysis provides a means of obtaining such historical information. In Switzerland, LWF aims to investigate the inter-relationships between forest ecosystems, air pollution and climate change, and to assess the current condition and future development of forest ecosystems in relation to environmental and anthropogenic stress. Ring-width measurements to the nearest 0.01 mm.
Skeleton plot analyses with a stereomicroscope, using standard methods.
X-ray densitometric analyses on cores sampled at high elevation sites. Ring-width and wood density measurements. Vordemwald Vordemwald is a high-forest site located on the Swiss Plateau. As confirmed by forest management plans, thinnings took place in this forest compartment at the beginning of the 40s. After those years, the ring widths recovered.