Dendrochronological dating of volcanic events: a review

Abstract

In this paper, we review recent progress in the dendrochronological analysis of volcanic events. Tree rings provide useful information on past environmental changes. A number of studies have revealed that volcanic eruptions and their subsequent aftermaths are recorded in ring widths, wood density and so on with annually-resolved calendar dates. However, our review work suggests that methods for detecting variations in the characteristics of tree rings could be improved for trees that have been directly affected by, but have survived, volcanic events. Future efforts should concentrate not only on developing and extending site chronologies, but also on examining new analytical techniques for tree-ring time series.