vi vii 1 2 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 10 12 13 14 14 17 17 18 20 21 21 24 25 28 31 36 33 33 38 45 53 53 55 56 List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1.0: Introduction 1.1: Rationale 1.2: Aims and objectives 1.3: Hypotheses Chapter 2.0: Literature Review 2.1: Background of dendrochronology 2.2: Uncertainties in dendrochronology 2.3: The influence of previous climatic conditions on radial growth 2.4: The influence of temperature on radial growth 2.5: The influence of drought on radial growth 2.6: The influence of precipitation on radial growth 2.7: The influence of species location on radial growth 2.8: Response of different species to the climatic conditions 2.9: Response of Oak trees to climatic conditions 2.10: Response of trees to the climatic conditions 2.11: Response of Sycamore trees to climatic conditions 2.12: Other factors affecting radial growth 2.13: Conclusion of literature review Chapter 3.0: Methodology 3.1: Research site 3.2: Increment corer/borer 3.3: Factors affecting the sampling method 3.4: Field Methodology 3.5: Laboratory Methodology 3.6: Analysis Methodology Chapter 4.0: Results 4.1: Field and laboratory data 4.2: The influence of precipitation on radial growth 4.3: The influence of temperature on radial growth 4.4: Other studies 4.4A: Sheffield 4.4B: Savernake 4.4C:
63 63 68 70 71 72 73 viii viii xii xiii xiv xv xvi xviii xxi xxiv Chapter 5.0: Discussion 5.1: Species response at Priestley Clough 5.2: Other studies 5.3: Conclusion 5.4: Limitations 5.5: Future Work References Appendices Appendix A: Health & Safety and Ethics forms Appendix B: Permission to carry out research Appendix C: How to set up an increment borer Appendix D: Raw ring width data for this study Appendix E: Precipitation and temperature records (1972-2012) Appendix F: Comparison of precipitation and temperature data (1972-2012) Appendix G: Raw ring width data (mm) for other studies Appendix H: Normality for each data set Appendix I: Critical Values for Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient
growing in clay soils are much shallower rooted than those trees in sandy soils, which develop deeper root systems to find water. This ultimately means that those in the clay soils are more adversely affected by drought conditions (Texas Forest Service, n.d.). Robertson (1992) carried out a study assessing the environmental factors controlling past tree growth on forested floodplain sites in southern . He noted that temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, depth until reaching the water table and solar radiation all had an impact on radial growth. Also during periods of high water tables in winter and spring, there was not a negative effect on growth. In the summer months, precipitation was linked with growth in many species (Robertson, 1992). Equally however, Baughman (2010) found that too much water, in the form of floods affects tree growth. Those most severly affected depends on both the species, and if the tree was previously stressed. Species which were under stress showed depressed growth, whilst tolerant species had less adverse effects. Generally, increased water covering the soil results in less oxygen availability for the roots, restricting growth. Trees are more susceptible to damage just after the first flush of growth. In addition floodwaters may carry harmful chemicals, further endangering the trees in a particular location. (Baughman, 2010). Sunlight also plays a role in radial growth, Esau (1965) uses Oak as an example which contains two portions of growth; the first being the spring-wood which is dependant on the reserves that the tree has; the second being the which is dependent on the food supplies of that particular year. The variations in the summerwood width are therefore largely influenced by the available food supply, hence the amount of sunlight (Esau, 1965).
Appendix A Health & Safety and Ethics forms 1 Project synopsis Approver: Cmte number: 1.1 Title To examine how the radial growth patterns of various species of trees may vary after being exposed to the same climatic conditions: A Priestley Clough case study. 1.2 Project type Original research Research degree PG taught UG taught X Commercial 1.3 Short description in layman's terms [no acronyms or jargon] This undergraduate dissertation project aims to investigate the effect climate has on tree growth in by undertaking quantitative research. Tree cores will be sampled, with the tree-rings being examined based on their widths. Comparisons and relationships will be undertaken in order to see what effect the climate has on various species of tree. 1.4 Start: May 2012 End: 2013 1.5 School of ….. Built and Natural Environment 2 Participants 2.1 Project supervisor /principal investigator: name, position and original signature Project Supervisor: Yingkui Zhao Principle Investigator: Rebecca Wild 2.2 Co-workers: names and positions [eg student] Christopher Heffernan: Student 3 External collaborators 3.1 List external collaborating bodies N/A 3.2 Provide evidence of any ethical approvals obtained [or needed] by external collaborators Permission to be obtained from: Hyndburn Borough Council 3.3 Indicate whether confidentiality agreements have been or will be completed N/A A) Does the activity involve or to unfamiliar places? If Yes: Does the activity involve field work or leaving the campus [eg ]? Does the field work involve a ‘party’ of participants or ? Does the activity involve children visiting from A) Yes Yes Yes No B) Does the activity involve humans than the investigators? If Yes: Will the activity involve any external organisation for which separate and specific ethics clearance is required (e.g. NHS; school; any criminal justice agencies including the Police, CPS, Prison Service)? – start this now [CRB clearance process at ; Carole Knight] Does the activity involve participants who are unable to give their informed consent (e.g. children, people with severe learning disabilities, unconscious patients etc.) or who may not be able to give valid consent (e.g. people experiencing mental health difficulties)? Does the activity require participants to give informed consent? [consent guidance at ] B) No No No No No Yes
and the kind of clothing and footwear required. B5) Weather Self skin exposure even if some cloud cover and use high factor sun block. Stop work if conditions begin to create significant increases in risk. Carry suitable clothing for change in conditions. Be aware of signs of hypothermia and/or sun stroke. Low B5) Injury Self Avoid carrying too much equipment. Bend knees not back when lifting. Low B5) Cuts and grazes Self Carry first Aid Kit. Make sure any grazes are cleaned properly to avoid infection. Low B5) Personal Security Self Mobile phone number and information given to a friend/family member as to the location of the study site and estimated time of return. Low