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A statistical analysis of tree-ring dating in conjunction with snow avalanches: Comparison of on-path versus off-path responses

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Environmental Geology and Water Sciences

Abstract

Tree-rings were collected from snow-avalanche paths in Colorado, and from positions away from avalanche paths. The rings were examined for morphological responses to avalanche-induced trauma. Use of the Chi-square statistic revealed a significant difference in the number of morphological responses from on-path versus off-path positions. A high number of on-path trees were definitely damaged by avalanche impact in 1973; a lower number of trees from off-path positions illustrated morphologic ring-responses from random, nonavalanche, events in the same year.

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Bryant, C.L., Butler, D.R. & Vitek, J.D. A statistical analysis of tree-ring dating in conjunction with snow avalanches: Comparison of on-path versus off-path responses. Environ. Geol. Water Sci 14, 53–59 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01740585

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01740585

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