Wedges were cut from the bases and sections of the wedge were used for this study. Densities and ring widths were measured on 7 trees. Four trees from this batch were selected for the isotope study and 4 orthogonal slices were used from each tree. This covers the majority of the time over which we have recorded temperature and precipitation data from Fairbanks. Trees are integrators of their surrounding environment which is reflected in different tree characteristics.
Tree rings are the most obvious characteristic and the most widely studied.
The three different parameters of the annual tree rings measured in this study produce distinctly different climatic information. Ring width is the usual parameter to study. Large thin-walled, cells are laid down early in the growing season when conditions are favorable for growth. These are followed by smaller, thick-walled and more dense cells late in the growing season which form due to the onset of cooler temperatures and shorter days. These terminate abruptly to be followed by larger cells the following growing season.