Factors affecting the precision of tree ring width measurement
2002
Zunde, M. (University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Inst. of the History of Latvia)
The tree ring width data analysed in dendrochronology and related fields, like any other measurements are subjects of various magnitudes. Major errors - the omission of a ring width value or inclusion of an excess value in tree ring width time series - can occur for various reasons. More problematic is the identification of other errors (systematic and chance errors occuring for a variety of reasons). In the study, these errors led to the reduction of the coefficient of similarity between time series. The value W of the sign test for 'Gleichlaeufigkeit' was reduced by a mean 12%, while t values (in certain cases) were reduced by more than l unit. It is concluded that measurement errors are often the decisive factor determining the significance of similarity between ring width series. This leads to an increased number of chance correspondences between ring width series and is often the reason for insufficiently objective evaluation of the influence of a dendrochronological signal. In the course of measurement of tree ring widths, the influence of so-called residual errors on the precision of measurement can be partially reduced by observing several precautions.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Fundamental Library of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies