The Dated Master Dendrochronology


What is a dated master dendrochronology? See figure at right:
  • Constructed from previously crossdated samples
  • Is dated with calendar years, 1895 to 1926, in this case
  • Often hundreds of years -- sometimes thousands -- of years long
  • Time series of standardized growth indices
    • Average of 1.0, normal growth
    • Minimum of 0.0, below average to no growth
    • Maximum of 2.0, above average to great growth
  • Is marked as if it were a skeleton plot
    • Small indices represented by long marks hanging down (e.g., 1919)
    • Large indices represented by "b" marks (e.g., 1922 and 1926)
dated master chronology

When you try skeleton plotting for yourself, you can show or hide the master chronology:
  • There will be a "Master" button, as on the right
    • Mouse click it to hide or show the master
    • Hint #1: You may need to rescale the graphs for your monitor (see Relative Scale)
    • Hint #2: Move the master left or right with your mouse by grabbing it within the part
      of the time series plot
show or hide master

CAREFUL: When the master chronology is showing, you can change its markings:
  • There will be two scroll bars, as on the right
    • "Absolute value" affects marks based on entire range on index values
    • "First-difference" affects marks of small rings relative to their immediate
      predecessor
      1. Hint #1: As numbers scroll up, chronology markings increase
      2. Hint #2: Set numbers to 1 to have no markings
  • Chronology marks can also be changed by drawing or erasing with the mouse
    just as with the skeleton plot
change chronology markings


Introduction | Dendrochronology Applications | Crossdating Application | Ring-Growth Anomalies
Sensitivity-Complacency | Skeleton Plotting | Relative Scale | Master Chronology
Pattern Matching | Finding the Dates | Absent/False Rings | Try Skeleton Plotting for Yourself!
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research

Paul R. Sheppard
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721 USA
office: (520) 621-6474, fax: (520) 621-8229
Comments to: sheppard@ltrr.arizona.edu

Copyright © 1998, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, The University of Arizona
Revised -- December, 1998
URL: http://tree.ltrr.arizona.edu/skeletonplot/masterchronology.htm